/ 



GV 1139 
.R84 
Copy 1 




JX 



I'huto by Stacy, Brooklyn. 



YOUNG CORBETT. 





SPALDING'S ATHLETIC LIBRARY 


HOW TO 


PUNCH THE BAG 


BY 


Young Corbett 

WITH AN ARTICLE ON 


FANCY BAG PUNCHING 


W. F. KELLER 


Champion Fancy I'.ag Pi ^ICHER of the World 


NEW YORK 

American Sports Publishing Company 
1 6- 1 8 Park Place 








LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CopisB R9oeiv»d 

JAN 5 1904 

V Copyright Entry 

CLASS ^ XXc. No. 
i J» •)- / O 
/ COPY B 



Copyright, 1904 



American Sports Publishing COo 
New York 



INDEX 

PAGE 

Bag Punching as a Beneficial and Attractive Exercise . . 7 

The Origin and Development of Bag Punching ... 15 

General Hints to Punchers of the Bag, and Special Reference 

to Beginners . . . . . . . ' . . 19 

How to Punch the Bag ........ 25 

A Few Words Regarding Competitions, Exhibitions, etc. . 65 

" Fighting the Bag " ........ 71 

The Art and Widely Recognized Value of Gauging Distance 74 

Fancy Bag Punching ........ 76 

What a Bag Puncher Needs ....... 9I 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




YOUNG CORBETT READY TO BEGIN HIS DAILY WORK WITH 
THE BAG. 



BAG PUNCHING AS A BENEFICIAL AND 
ATTRACTIVE EXERCISE 



Many forms of exercise are indulged in by folk desirous of 
improving their physical condition, but none of them is more 
attractive and at the same time more beneficial than bag punch- 
ing. Here is a recreation, simple and inexpensive, awarding 
splendid means for the development of bodily powers, and in- 
dulgence in which, rewards with symmetry, grace and strength 
obtainable in no other way. 

Did you ever punch the bag? If so, you are well aware of 
the truth of the foregoing statements ; if you never have tried 
this unsurpassed exercise, you have before you a pleasure as 
valuable as it is fascinating, and that is saying a great deal. 
One of the beauties of bag punching is that it may be indulged 
in by men, women and children alike ; another is that the ap- 
paratus is thoroughly adapted to use in any home, no matter 
how small — even if the prospective enthusiast lives in a hall 
bedroom in a city apartment, or in. an attic room in some anti- 
quated farm house. 

As for the actual benefits to be derived from punching the 
bag — well, a book could be written on this subject alone. From 
the view point of the man who is lacking physically the exercise 
is nothing short of fondest imaginings of the idealist. 

Arms, snoulders, hands, wrists, the neck, and legs are brought 
into play individually and in combination in bag punching. Aside 
from the development in these parts of the body, the shoulders 
are made square and upright, the chest is broadened, the eye 
quickened, and the brain stimulated. The circulation of the 
blood in all parts of the body is vastly improved. The direct 
result is a new being for the bag puncher. He goes into na- 
ture's storehouse and by tendering exercise in- payment, receives 
a supply of health and vigor, just as he would enter a shop and 
purchase a new suit of clothes in return for "coin of the realm." 



Spalding's Athletic Liorary 




Fig. 1— correct STARTING POSITION. 



How to Punch the Bag, g 

Does the end justify the means? Where is the person who 
would answer in the negative? He is as difficult to find as was 
of old the much sought for Philosopher's Stone, which, according 
to tradition, would transform into purest gold whatsoever it 
touched. 

Accomplished athletes, too, find value in the punching bag. 
Hundreds of them consider it indispensable in maintaining the 
muscles developed in other branches of sport. Inactivity", of 
course, is the bane of the athlete's existence. A month or two of 
idleness lamentably deteriorates the finest set of muscles that 
ever adorned a human frame, and boxers, gymnasts, foot ball and 
base ball players, etc., etc., have found the punching bag to be 
one of the best agencies obtainable for keeping themselves in 
condition, and in promoting agility and endurance. Then, too, 
the element of self-defence creeps in, and in fact plays a prom- 
inent part in the usefulness of the apparatus under considera- 
tion. The bag puncher finds that he can use his hands to advan- 
tage in emergencies. He is a dangerous man with whom to 
trifle. His self-reliance and confidence make him all the more 
strongly fortified. Boxers find the inflated spheroid invaluable 
in training and most of them are experts in the manipulation 
of it. 

The bag is a prominent object in the training quarters of every 
knight of the padded mitts. There never was a boxer or a 
fighter yet who has not used it, and used it but to praise. 

The use of punching bags has increased tremendously during 
the last few years. This fact in itself is significant, for the 
people of this day and generation are not prone to throw away 
tmie and money on worthless things. Popularity denotes merit 
invariably in these matter-of-fact twentieth-century times, 
whether persons, places or pastimes are concerned. In every well- 
equipped gymnasium is found at least one bag punching ap- 
paratus, and seldom indeed is the rapid rap-rap-rap of the 
bounding leather ball missing among the sounds familiar to 
the frequenters of buildings devoted to all-around recreation. 

Physical directors in athletic clubs, Young Men's Christian 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 





Fig. 2— straight LEFT HAND— THE CORRECT WAY. 



How to Punch the Bag. ii 

Association "gyms," etc., state unhesitatingly that the punch- 
ing bag oftentimes brings them new members and that the 
interest of the devotees of this sport rarely wanes. In fact, 
"once a bag puncher always a bag puncher" may well be said to 
be the case. Just what element of this form of exercise is re- 
sponsible for its fascinations is difficult to determine. Whether 
it is the permissible unlimited pummeling of an imaginary an- 
tagonist ; the realization of the benefits accruing from its use, 
or the rythm in the lively rebounding of the inflated bag, cannot 
be stated with any degree of certainty, but at any rate, the 
fascination is there, and he that seeks will find it. It lures the 
mere casual puncher on and on until he is as deeply engrossed 
in the sport as a school boy is in playing his first game of 
marbles. 

The writer has a friend, a New Yorker, who recently chose to 
had passed before his two younger brothers, aged seventeen and 
nineteen, began to endeavor to solve its mysteries. They were 
not slow in learning. Soon they monopolized the bag almost 
entirely. They rose early in the morning to take turns at 
punching it. They would hurry through their dinner in the 
evening to go at it again. My friend endured this state of 
affairs for about two weeks with nothing more than an occas- 
ional protest, but finally, however, was added the straw that 
broke the camel's back. 

One afternoon he left his business early and hastened home 
to have a half hour's practice without interruption. He knew 
his brothers would not be on hand at this particular time. En- 
tering the house, a familiar rapping, tapping sound smote his 
ears and there before him was his sister, about twenty years of 
age, pounding away like a veteran. My friend dropped into a 
chair, exclaiming, "Well, this is the limit." 

"But, Harry," was the fair culprit's response, "I've been doing 
this for days and days. It's the finest sport I've ever had, and 
what is more, I'm as good a bag puncher as you are." This 
last remark proved to be true, and poor, persecuted Harry was 
eventually forced to buy a bag for his sister, who, by the way, 



Spalding's AthLtic Library. 




Fig. 3-STRAlGHT LEFT HAND— THE WRONG WAY. 



How to Punch the Bag. 13 

afterward inducted several of her girl friends into the secrets 
of the art. 

And so the punching bag wields its magic power. Young 
and old, the fair and the unfair are drawn into the net^ but hap- 
pily only to be benefited thereby. 

Noticeable features in the makeup of the bag puncher are the 
grace of his carriage and the uniformity of his development. 
No muscle seems to be abnormal and consequently unsightly. 
He is easily singled out in a crowd by his ease of movement. 
These attributes go to form personal attractiveness and magnet- 
ism, without which any man is handicapped, no matter what may 
be his occupation or station in life. The man with an air of 
energy and accomplishment is the one who impresses and com- 
pels. Should he lack these qualities a month or two of system- 
atic bag punching will supply them. 

The value of the strength and other physical assets given by 
bag punching cannot be overestimated. A man's greatest pos- 
session is his body, therefore he should seek to make it as close 
to perfect as possible. The weakling has no chance to win 
in the strenuous commercial, professional, social and political 
campaigns of to-day and the sooner this fact is realized the 
better. 



Spalding s Athletic Library 




Fig. 4-STRAIGHT RIGHT HAND PUNCH. 



M^f 



THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
BAG PUNCHING 



Bag punching as a science may well be said to be a develop- 
ment of comparatively recent years. The genesis of the present 
air inflated apparatus was a large canvas bag filled with sand or 
excelsior, rags, chamois or pieces of waste leather, and hung 
by a long rope from a cross beam or a hook in a ceiling. This 
apparatus was necessarily heavy and clumsy, of slow movement 
and permissible of but little or no variation. In the bargain 
a man was more apt to dislocate his wrist or break his fingers 
in its use than to derive any lasting benefit. The manipulation 
of this bag encouraged large, knotty muscles which rendered 
mipossible the quick, graceful movements of the latter day 
puncher. The foregoing sort of a bag was invented in Eng- 
land, where its vogue spread rapidly among pugilists and other 
athletes in training. As a rule, it weighed from twenty to eighty 
pounds. 

In the early '70s the punching bag in its crude form became 
popular in America, although it had been used here to some 
extent before that period. Apropos of the status of the apparatus 
at that time, and its subsequent development to its present 
serviceable nature, a quotation from an earlier edition of this 
book should prove of interest. The writer spoke in part as 
follows : 

"In all public gymnasiums during that'period the twelve, fifteen 
and thirty pound bags, made of canvas and stufifed with chamois, 
oakum and excelsior were sometimes used. They were generally 
suspended from, beams about twelve or fourteen feet high and 
any one who could knock them over the beam earned the reputa- 
tion of a hard puncher. Apropos of this a story is told of John 
C. Heenan. The great fighter was traveling around England and 
was then but in poor condition from the effects of high living and 
other luxuries. He chanced to ramble into the old gymnasium at 

15 



1 6 Now to Punch the Bag. 

Oxford College, England, where an old-time bag was hanging. 
Some of the students recognizing the Benecia boy, asked him to 
give the bumper a shot, and the once king of the prize ring 
quickly removed his coat and squared off before the bundle. 
After tapping it a few times to limber up he let fly at the bag. 
The whack it received resounded through the building and the 
bag sailed twice around the crossbeam before the sound of the 
punch died away. 

"But this style of bag proved the most dangerous appliance in 
the gymnasium, for anyone who had not the proper idea of 
punching surely came to grief by spraining his wrist. 

"However, as time wore on, the prize ring was undergoing a 
revolution, but no one seemed to pay attention to the punching 
bag until Professor Mike Donovan, boxing instructor of the 
New York Athletic Club, thought a lively leather bag was the 
thing, and to the genius of the genial professor the followers 
of fistic science are indebted for the punching bag. 

"In 1876 Donovan was training for his fight with McClelland 
for the middleweight championship of America at San Francisco, 
and as a part of his exercise used the punching bag. There v/ere 
no India rubber bladders in those days and Mike kept his 
trainers busy securing cow bladders from the slaughter houses 
in the vicinity of 'Frisco. 

"Cook made bags of calf and sheepskin, round and pear 
shaped. He used rubber bladders and his bags became popular. 

"John Rumsey, of Cleveland, Ohio, manufactured a double 
end bag. It was oblong in shape, made of fancy canvas and at- 
tached to the floor and ceiling. The attachment from floor to bag 
was of rubber and from bag to ceiling common rope, so that the 
bag could be lowered or raised to suit the user. 

"Of course, there have been a great many improvements in 
the composition of the ball. The contrast and result of the 
heavy bag of the old days and the late improved style is great. 
The new one makes a man quick, while the old one made a man 
slow. If you do not guard or duck with the one of to-day you 
are liable to get countered, for they are quicker than nine-tenths 
of the men of the present day. 



Hoio to Punch the Bag. 17 

"There is a secret in bag making like everything else, and out 
of the number who have tried but very few have been successful. 
Only selected skins can be used and only the choicest part. 
The leather is cut on forms, after being thoroughly stretched, 
anil the grain of the leather should all run one way. This 
will ensure a uniform roundness and the stitches will draw out 
evenly after the bladder is inflated." 



i8 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Fig. 5-IMPROPER POSITION OF 1 HE HEAD. ALWAYS WATCH THE 
BAG WHEN YOU STRIKE. DO NOT LOOK AWAY. 



GENERAL HINTS TO PUNCHERS OF THE 

BAG, AND SPECIAL REFERENCE 

TO BEGINNERS 



Some experts attempt to say just how much a punching bag 
should be elevated or lowered. Each man, however, is the best 
judge for himself in reference to this matter. The spheroid 
should be allowed to swing freely and at the same time not so 
much as to cause it to rebound wildly. Your height and reach 
are to be considered in lowering or raising it. Do not punch 
the bag for a lengthy period without resting, at least until you 
are well advanced. At first, ten mJnutes' punching, with from 
three to five minutes' rest, will be found advisable. Later you 
can increase the length of your exercising periods until finally 
you will become almost indefatigable, unless you accelerate speed 
unduly. 

First learn to perform the different blows slowly and ac- 
curately. Form a style, just as you should do in boxing, run- 
ning or jumping, and stick to it so long as it is correct and 
adapted to your physical characteristics. Should you start in, 
while yet a beginner, to hit the bag rapidly — and most tyros are 
likely to commit this fault — you will surely lose accuracy and 
work into an improper style, which, as time goes on, and you 
still persist in it, will prevent you from ever becoming expert, 
or even passably proficient. An ounce of prevention is worth 
at least a ton of cure in this instance, so let speed alone until 
you are sure of yourself. 

Always clench your fist properly. Press the points of the 
fingers into the palms and keep the knuckles on a straight line. 
Unless you observe this rule closely a finger or two will in- 
variably project beyond the others, making likely dislocation or 
other painful and incapacitating injury. In addition an im- 
properly closed fist will send the bag out of its intended course, 
thus breaking up your exercise, making necessary a new start. 
Clench your fist as does a prize fighter when he dons the gloves. 

10 



Spalding s Athletic Libra}-y. 




Fig. 6— MOST DANGEROUS WAY TO PUNCH A BAG. NEVER STRIKE 
TOWARD A WALL. 



How to Punch the Bag. 21 

You may or may not use bag punching gloves, as you choose. 
You had best procure a pair or two of them however, while 
learning the art. They will assist you materially in delivering 
even blows, but they will make your work somewhat slower than 
bare-handed tactics. After you have progressed, to some ex- 
tent, try punching without gloves. Your knuckles will suffer at 
first but finally the skin will become toughened so that you will 
not be inconvenienced. 

Your costume, if you punch the bag in a gymnasium, sho^ild 
be light, cool and unencumbersome. A sleeveless jersey and 
knee or full length tights, with either high or low shoes, will 
suffice. If you desire to reduce weight wear a sweater while 
at work. At home almost any kind of a costume will suffice. 
After exercising — if in a gymnasium — put on a sweater, or if 
you have enough work for the time being, take a shower bath. 
Begin with warm water, or hot if you desire, and finish with the 
coldest to be had, especially in winter weather take care to end 
a bath with cold water. It will close the pores of the skin and 
prevent you from being chilled when going into the brisk air. 
A spirited rub down with a rough towel, or if you so desire, an 
alcohol or a witch hazel rub, will make you feel as though you 
had quafifed of the water of the famous spring of eternal youth 
for which Ponce de Leon is said to have searched unavailingly 
in Florida a couple of centuries or so ago. 

Beginners should always be content to advance slowly, at 
least until the actual rudiments are mastered. Of course all 
ambitious youths desire to obtain the maximum of proficiency 
in the minimum of time. This is all very well, a very commen- 
dable trait to be sure, but remember that the lesson of modera- 
tion, while difficult to learn, pays in the end. You cannot learn 
to punch the bag in a week even though you neither eat nor sleep. 
Give me two pupils, one careful, painstaking at the start, and 
the other self-willed and over-anxious, who practices a dozen 
different blows in as many minutes, and I'll wager every cent 
I own that the first named will know more about the practice 
of bag punching in a month than the independent, variable, in- 
constant young man could show you in six months. 



22 Hoiv to Punch the Bag. 

Another hint for beginners is that you should not set your 
heart on learning fancy blows too early in the game. They are 
splendid pastimes when the fundamental principles are thoroughly 
mastered and assimilated. They require advanced dexterity and 
understanding, also unceasing practice and study. When poorly 
executed — as is sure to be the case with novices — they fall so 
flat that spectators will consider you an amateur of the greenest 
sort. 

Learn to breathe regularly while punching the bag. Inhale 
and exhale at timed intervals, filling the lungs almost to their 
capacity on the intake, and expel the air without straining your- 
self. You can increase your chest measurements noticeably in 
a short time. By forcing too much into your lungs suddenly, 
however, or exhahng too violently, you will become dizzy. So, 
therefore, develop your breathing capacity gradually. 

Do not exercise with heavy weights or other ponderous 
apparatus if you intend to become an expert bag puncher. The 
muscular fibre thus formed gives you coarse, binding tissues 
that will rob you of suppleness. Light dumbbells, light Indian 
clubs, from one to three pounds; chest weights, rowing ma- 
chines, etc., etc., are admirably suited to the bag puncher's needs. 
Hand ball, boxing, basket ball, etc., are excellent accompaniments 
to your athletic curriculum. 

Keep your finger nails trimmed moderately short, especially if 
you punch the bag without gloves. Sometimes the bag accident- 
ally strikes a nail and breaks it, causing a bothersome, painful, 
slow-healing wound, and at the same time making the fingers un- 
sightly. Do not punch the bag directly after a heavy meal. 
You will speedily induce indigestion by so doing. Unless you 
have eaten sparingly wait at least an hour and half after dining 
before beginning your work. 

Should you punch the bag at home and desire to go to bed 
on finishing, do not take a cold bath. Cold water will stimulate 
your system to such an extent that you will be unable to go to 
sleep readily. Instead, bathe in warm water, and do not rub 
yourself vigorously as such action will also prove stimulating. 



Hozv to Punch the Bag. 23 

Merely dry yourself 30 that you will not be absolutely damp, 
and then go immediately to bed. You will drop off to sleep 
without difficulty. An old German physician once told me that 
by prescribing this simple remedy he had cured scores of cases of 
insomnia. 



24 Spalding s Athletic Library. 




Fig. 7— a VALUELESS BLOW. 



HOW TO PUNCH THE BAG 



THE PROPER POSITION. 

(Fig. I.) 

When ready to punch the bag take a position that gives you 
ample place to strike it without straining or over-reaching. At 
the same time do not make the mistake of standing so close to 
it as to crowd yourself. Freedom and ease of movement are 
essential points to consider. Assume a fighting pose. Straighten 
your back, thrust your shoulders to the rear gracefully, raise 
your left hand to about the height of your chin, bring up the 
right to guard, clench your fist with the knuckles even, as 
previously instructed, and advance the left foot before the right. 
The position of the hands and feet should be altered to suit 
varying blows. Under ordinary circumstances hold in the point 
of the chin, just as in boxing. The differences in the posture for 
the various blows will be explained in the detailed descriptions 
which are to follow. 

THE LEFT LEAD. 
(Fig. 2.) 

The novice should begin his punching bag operations by learn- 
ing the two fundamental, and at the same time two simplest 
blows. They are the left lead and the right lead. As in boxing, 
both these leads are very important. We will consider the left 
lead first. 

Stand from two and a half to three and a half feet from the 
bag, which should swing on a level with the nose. Stepping 
forward as you would to deliver the same blow in boxing, lead 
directly with your left from the shoulder, hitting the centre of 
the bag. The head should be inclined slightly to the right to 
avoid a counter. Bring your right hand and forearm up across, 
and close to your chest, as defence against an imaginary return 

25 



26 



Spalding's Athletic Library 




Fiu. b-A GOOD ONE-ARM EXERCISE, IN WHICH EITHER ELBOW 
MAY BE USED. 



Ho7v to Punch the Bag. 27 

blow, and put as much weight into the stroke as possible with- 
out throwing yourself off your balance. Gauge distance ac- 
curately. Quick as a flash spring back into your original position, 
with the left foot advanced as in boxing, and repeat the blow. 
Learn to hit with lightning rapidity, and to regain your position 
without the loss of a moment. Should you hit the bag a 
glancing blow it will come back at an angle to its rightful course 
and possibly hit the striker smartly in the face. If you have not 
hit it squarely, duck. The practice of ducking will also help you 
in learning to box. 

Of course if you hit the bag violently you will be unable to 
again strike it on the first rebound. Let it bounce, say, three 
times before repeating a blow. Thus you will have opportunity 
to develop accuracy and good form. By persevering in the prac- 
tice of the left lead, as is likewise true of all the other strokes, 
you can develop the blow into a very powerful form of attack. 

Many boxers are weak with their left. Ineffective jabs are 
the best results they produce with it. This shortcoming would 
speedily be remedied by the generous use of the punching 
bag. 

Hit the bag with the face of the knuckles and do not let 
the fist go wide like a swing — swings will be considered later. 

Make the blow clean cut, perfect in itself, putting the full force 
of the shoulder and back into it. Keep your eye on the ball, 
watching its every move and variation. Moreover, be sure that 
it is inflated to the limit. The punching of a flabby bag is about 
as much value as boxing would be with stuffed pillow cases 
taking the place of gloves. 

THE STRAIGHT LEFT LEAD— INCORRECT WAY. 

(Fig- 3-) 

Many years of punching bags fall into an incorrect method 

of holding the fist as it strikes the bag. In illustration No. 3 

this fault is shown. By observing closely you will see that my 

left fist is turned so that the thumb is to the right, the palm 



28 



Spalding'' s Athletic Library 




Fig. U— left HAND HOOK 



Hoiv to Punch the Bag. 29 

of the hand downward. Instead the thumb ought to turn up- 
ward, which action will place the knuckles toward the left, the 
clenched palm to the right. 

Blows delivered in a faulty manner of this sort lack force, 
and in addition in a ring contest would be very apt to expose 
your wrist to breaking. Hold your fist in this improper way and 
draw it well back as though you intended to land a heavy blow. 
You will immediately perceive that the position is awkard and 
that your shoulder is subjected to an unnecessary strain. Author- 
itative judges of pugilism, and boxers I have met in matches, 
say that I am a very hard hitter. The results of my battles 
would seem to indicate their opinion to be true, and I say un- 
reservedly that whatever ability I may have as a powerful and 
effective hitter is due to my learning to deliver blows in the 
best possible way, according to the requirements of good form. 
Accuracy is never a drawback to a boxer or a bag puncher. The 
turning of the palm downward also deprives the forearm of 
considerable of leverage and the practice will tell heavily against 
any man. On reading these words you may say, "This is all 
very well, but I cause the bag to rebound straighter by turning 
the palm to the floor." If you have learned this, the wrong way 
to punch, change your tactics instantly, no matter how agreeable 
they are to you. They will be satisfactory only temporarily at 
the best. Remember the words of the immortal Davy Crockett, 
when he said, "Be sure you're right, then go ahead." 

The foregoing criticism applies also to all other blows in 
the bag puncher's category. I merely chose the left lead as one 
instance among a great many. 

THE STRAIGHT RIGHT HAND PUNCH. 

(Fig. 4-) 

In the straight right hand lead, step out with the right foot, 

placing it about eighteen inches to the right, and about fourteen 

inches in front of the left foot. Hold the left hand in front of, 

and close to either the abdomen, chest or chin as a guard, and 



30 



Spalding's Athletic Library 




\'\u. ]n-AI.I]:K.\A'] L\L, 



..EFT HOOKS. 



Ho7v to Punch the Bag. 31 

shoot the right out snappily from the shoulder, hitting the bag 
squarely, as in the left lead. You can maintain this position and 
hit the bag repeatedly on say every third rebound, or else you 
may step back into your original waiting position after every 
blow. By the latter method you will obtain much valuable 
training in footvv-ork. 

Footwork is one of the principal dependencies of the boxer, 
and anything that helps him develop his ability in this line is 
valuable. The straight right is one of the most powerful and 
effective blows that can be delivered by the human hand. Two 
handed fighters use it • with telling results. The fact that its 
delivery leaves a man comparatively open to attack, however, 
makes it unpopular with some fighters. 

Throw your weight into this blow, just as you should in others. 
I would also suggest that you incline or ,duck your head to the 
left, not pronouncedly, however, to avoid what in boxing would 
be a counter. When you have mastered the details of the right 
lead, alternate it with the left lead, executing first one stroke 
and then the other. If the alternate movement seems awkward 
in the beginning, do not become discouraged, but persevere, and 
after a few trials it' will prove very easy, and assuredly more 
interesting than either of the individual blows in themselves. 

AN IMPROPER POSITION OF THE HEAD, AND WHICH 

PREVENTS THE PUNCHER FROM WATCHING 

THE BAG. 

(Fig. 5.) 
In bag punching, as in all other pastimes conducted on a 
scientific basis, there are many things to avoid. One of the 
several points of this nature that I will mention in this book is 
the position of the head while in action. Do not turn your 
head completely away from the bag at any time for you will 
then be unable to watch it closely. Watch the bag continually, 
even as you would an opponent in the ring. Of course there are 
various occasions when you should duck, or otherwise avoid the 



32 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Fig. 11-HALF UPPER-CUT WITH RIGHT HAND. 



How to Punch the Bag. 33 

bounding ball, but unless you are striking the bag with the 
back of the head, KEEP YOUR EYES ON IT. Think what 
a beautifully small chance you would have in a boxing match if 
you turned your head away from your antagonst. He would 
land on you so quickly that you would not be likely to come 
back to earth for several minutes at the very least. Remember 
that every careless habit you form while punching the bag will 
surely follow you and handicap you when you don the mitts. 

A DANGEROUS PRACTICE— H ITTING TOWARD A WALL. 

(Fig. 6.) 
Do not strike toward a wall when puching a bag. Should 
you do so and happen to miss the inflated object, your hand 
will strike the hard substance with a disastrous effect. I do not 
mean that you will damage some landlord's plaster or wooden 
partition — no, not for a moment. You will on the contrary 
lame your fist and indeed will be in great luck if you escape 
without fracturing a bone or two. The hands of the boxer and 
the bag puncher alike are his stock in trade. You have possibly 
observed that fighters, wrestlers, etc., take pronounced care of 
hands and fingers. To disable them will often mean bankruptcy 
and perhaps loss of prestige. 

A VALUELESS BLOW THAT SOME BAG PUNCHERS ARE 
FOND OF USING. 

(Fig. 7.) 
Oftentimes you will see a chap go to a punching bag, double his 
fists and press them close together, palms inward. He will then 
proceed to use therii as a battering ram to pound the bag violently. 
The bag rebounds, striking his two fists, of course, at the same 
time. What good is there to be derived from this maneuver? I 
will offer a prize of a package of Joss sticks to the first one 
sending me an answer that can be given serious consideration. 
There is not enough tax on any particular muscles to develop 
Ihem. Neither does the "stunt" promote agility or quickness 



34 



Spalding's Athhtic Library 



■. / 




illffi 


MV^ 



Fig. 12 -half UPPERCUT WITH LEFT HAND. 



Ho7v to Punch the Bag. 35 

of aii}^ description. You might as well take a potato masher and 
endeavor to murder a medicine ball for all the benefit you will 
get from it. 

A GOOD ARM EXERCISE IN WHICH EITHER ELBOW 
MAY BE USED. 

(Fig. 8.) 

A simple one arm exercise, which every beginner will par- 
ticularly appreciate, is shown in Fig. 9. To execute this stroke 
you must necessarily stand closer to the bag than in the right 
and left lead positions. Stand with the feet from six to twelve 
inches apart and on the same line. Raise, say, the right elbow, 
and strike the bag in the middle with its point. As the bag re- 
bounds, strike it again and again. At first the movement will 
be somewhat tiring, but not for long. When you have become 
proficient with the right elbow, try the left. You will need more 
practice than with the right, to "educate" the left arm, unless 
you happen to be left handed, like a well-known humorist who 
once said that he was "only half right." After a week or two 
you will be considerably surprised at the power you will find 
yourself capable of putting into one of these elbow blows. 

After you have become adept in using your elbows singly you 
may then alternate them, just as I told you to do with the right 
and left leads. 

THE LEFT HAND HOOK. 
(Fig. 9-) 

Hooks are very valuable blows. They are used frequently 
with decisive effect by boxers. They are delivered at close range 
and therefore should have great speed. Stand with the feet 
about fourteen inches apart and advance the left foot about six 
inches before the right. Bend the elbow sharply. Raise the fist 
to a point on a line with the left hip and pivoting on the ball of 
the left foot, keeping the right foot steady, as a brace, shoot the 
fist to the middle of the bag as swiftly as possible. Instantly 
bring the fist back and repeat. Hold the right fist in front 
of the breast or chin as a means of defence. The bag will be 



36 Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Fig. 13-FULL SWING WITH THE RIGHT. 



Ho-iv to Ptinch the Bag. 37 

sent in a slanting direction. The right hook should also be 
developed. It is delivered exactly after the fashion of the left 
hook. Put somewhat of an upward heave of the shoulder in this 
blow. As the fist lands, the elbow should not be entirely 
straightened. It should be bent at an angle of about fifteen 
degrees. 

ALTERNATING SHORT RIGHT AND LEFT HOOKS. 

(Fig. 10.) 
Stand with the feet about sixteen inches apart and on a line 
with each other. Hold the shoulders and head well back. 
Raise the arms, with the elbows bent, so that the hands are 
even in height with the middle of the bag and each being about 
twelve inches away from it. Hit the bag in the centre with 
first one fist and then the other. Permit the bag to rebound 
but once after being hit. The exercise involved in this combina- 
tion blow is unsurpassed for the shoulders, chest and arms. You 
will be forced to bend your wrist downward to some extent as 
you hit the bag in this movement. Do not encourage this ten- 
dency. 

AN UPPERCUT WITH THE RIGHT HAND, AND UPPER- 
CUTS IN GENERAL. 

(Fig. II.) 

The uppercut resembles the hook. In the former, however, 
the fist is carried upward from a position closer to the body 
than is the case with the latter. 

Uppercuts should not be allowed to swing too wide. When 
about to execute an uppercut stand about fourteen inches back 
from the bag. Bend the arm at an angle of about ninety de- 
grees, and bring the fist up forcibly from a point below the 
hip and somewhat to the rear. Do not let the hand go far 
from the body until it is opposite the chest. In the right upper- 
cut, as you carry your hand forward and upward to deliver the 
blow, RISE ON THE TOES OF THE RIGHT FOOT, as I 
have done in illustration No. 11. DO NOT FAIL TO HEED 



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Fig. 14-RIGHT HAND SWING AS IT HITS THE BAG. 



Ho7v to Punch the Bai. 



39 



THIS INSTRUCTION, for by coming up on your toes you can 
put double the force into the stroke — enough in many cases to 
hft a man of your own weight ofif his feet. Keep the left leg 
firm. You must use it to steady yourself, to aid you to gauge 
distance accurately. When delivering a left uppercut, follow 
the example of the golfer as he supports himself on his right 
leg when he swings or drives. 

HALF UPPERCUT WITH THE LEFT HAND. 

(Fig. 12.) 
The half uppercut, as the title of the blow signifies, lacks , 
the full power or field of action held by the full uppercut. The 
left half uppercut should start from slightly above and to the 
front of the left hip bone. The right half uppercut is executed 
vice versa. In other respects these blows are similar to the 
right and left uppercuts. The left half uppercut is used more 
frequently than that with the right. While delivering a stroke 
of this sort with the left, hold the right across the front of the 
body, as I have done in illustration No. 12. Rise and pivot on 
the ball of the right foot, and in the right half uppercut do like- 
wise with the left foot. 

SWINGS AND HOW TO DELIVER THEM EFFECTIVELY. 

Swings, as is of course well known, are blows of terrific force. 
When they take effect something is certain to happen. As these 
blows have a long distance to travel, they must be executed 
quickly to be of value. Fifteen minutes practice v/ith a bag 
every day for two or three weeks will enable you to swing in 
splendid fashion. You will be surprised at the number of times 
you will be able to land a swing on an actual opponent when 
you have perfected it. 

In swinging at the punching bag endeavor to be as accurate 
as possible. A wild swing is always a menace to the man de- 
livering it, for it leaves him, what boxers would describe, as 
"wide open." Then, too, if you lunge wildly at the bag you will 
possibly miss it altogether, and thus lose your balance. 



40 



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Fig. 15— half SWING WITH LEFT HAND. 



Ho%v to Punch the Bag. 41 

When delivering a full swing always remember to guard 
yourself with the disengaged hand. Consider the bag to be 
a wary opponent who will at the first opportunity take advantage 
of any opening that offers. By using your imagination in tbi'; 
way, you will find increased interest attached to your bag puncli- 
ing operations. Naturally the violence of swings prevents you 
from repeating the blow until the bag has rebounded several 
times. Perhaps you may be forced to let it go back and forth 
four or five times before duplicating the stroke. 

THE FULL SWING WITH THE RIGHT HAND. 

(Fig.13.) 

To deliver a full right hand swing take the conventional spar- 
ring position, with the left foot advanced. Gauge accurately 
the location of the bag, and its distance from your rignt fist, 
which should be tightly clinched and held in front of the breast 
bone. 

Hold the point of the chin well in, and after deciding on 
just what part of the bag you will strike — preferably as close 
to its centre as possible — step in swiftly with the right foot, ad- 
A^ancing it far enough to place you within easy striking distance 
of the bag. Bring up the left fist to guard, as directed, and 
carrying the right fist well back and low, swing your right power- 
fully, in a half circle, landing on the bag with the impulse of the 
muscles of the arm, shoulders and back, combined with the 
impetus of your advance. Incline your head to the left. Hold 
3'our left fist in front of your face, as you would if an opponent 
blocked your right swing with his left and countered with a 
right swing, a hook or a j*ib. Do not throw the weight of your 
body forward past your right foot. \i you do so, you will not 
be capable of springing out of harm's way, or in position to re- 
peat the blow without delay. 

Set yourself firmly in delivering swings. I would suggest that 
you do not practice swings continuously for too long a time. Try 
them say for five minutes, then rest a few minutes, and begin 



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Fig. 16 -half SWING WITH RIGHT HAND. 



Hozv to Punch the Bag. 43. 

again. Three five-minute periods a day are sufficient. My rea- 
son for so advising you lies in the fact that these blows are 
tiring, and you will readily admit that when a man is fatigued 
he cannot maintain good form and accuracy. 

After learning the right swing practice the left. Advance the 
left foot instead of the right, and defend yourself with your right 
hand, the while inclining your head and chest to the right. Left 
swings usually start from a higher point than do right swings, 
because the left shoulder is generally lifted above the right. 
The left swing is neither so powerful nor so important a blow, 
still it is used the more frequently because it is easier to de- 
liver. When you have become adept at both swings alternate 
them, stepping back into the sparring position after each stroke. 

THE PUNCHER'S POSITION AS HE STRIKES THE BAG 
WITH A RIGHT HAND SWING. 

(Fig. 14.) 
In illustration, Fig. 14, I exhibit the correct pose for the 
bag puncher as he delivers a right hand swing. Observe closely 
the poise of the body and how I have placed my feet. In actual 
fighting I would incline to the left to a greater extent than shown 
in the photo. Be careful to clench your fist correctly by all means 
for in a heavy swing even the slightest twist may result in pain- 
ful injury. At the moment your hand hits the bag you should 
be at the extreme height of your speed. Concentrate every iota 
of energy into the blow and release it at the exact instant 
that your hand comes in contact with the leather. 



CONCERNING HALF SWINGS. 

Half swings are well described by their name. They might 
be termed full swings with their wings clipped. A half swing 
starts from a point about half way between the starting and 
finishing places of a complete swing. 

In the ring a half swing seldom if ever results in a knockout, 
therefore you may readily perceive that it lacks the force of 



44 



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Fig. 17— right SHIFT AND BLOCKING RETURN 



Hozu to Punch the Bag. 45 

the full swing, which is very true. It is used principally to tem- 
porarily bewilder a man and cause him if possible to leave an 
opening for a decisive punch. 

A HALF SWING WSTH THE LEFT HAND. 

(Fig. 15.) 
In the delivery of a left hand half swing stand about a foot 
closer to the bag than you would in executing a full swing. 
Take the sparring position, holding the right fist in front of the 
chest or chin. Step in, and start your left fist from a point about 
a foot straight out to the left of your left hip. Swing it for- 
ward and upward in a half circle, hitting the bag with face of 
your clenched knuckles. Step, or better, jump back into your 
original position, and when the bag's rebounds have slowed 
somewhat, step forward and strike it again. The bag will bounce 
in a slanting direction, but it will not vary its course if you hit 
it in the same spot each time. 

A HALF SWING WITH THE RIGHT HAND. 

(Fig. 16.) 
Reverse the instructions regarding the left half swing when 
executing the same sort of a blow with the right hand. The 
right half swing is more forcible than the left. Swing the 
body with the arm, turning at the waist, and do not overreach 
yourself. 

THE SHIFT. 

The shift is a movement that may be said to have received 
recognition in comparatively recent years. Fighters, old-time 
and modern, have used variations of it, but those of the latter 
days are responsible for its development to its highest form. 
Bob Fitzsimmons has frequently used shifts with "striking" 
effect. 

A shift, briefly described, is a feint, combined with a sudden 
changing, or shifting of position to either side, at the same time 
landing a blow. The impetus gained by the advancement of the 



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■PH 


i| 




!■ 




a 




J 



Fig. 18— the OVERHAND— SHOULD NEVER BE USED. 



Hoiv to Punch the Bag. 47 

bady makes the stroke a powerful one. A wide swing, a half 
swing, a hook or a half hook, etc., may be feinted to aid in the 
execution of. a shift, two steps forward are usually taken. 



THE SHIFT TO THE RIGHT AND THE POSITION FOR 
BLOCKING A RETURN. 

(Fig. 17.) 

There are two shifts, the left and the right. I will describe 
the shift to the right from which that to the left can easily be 
learned. To shift to the right, stand before the bag in the 
sparring pose, and not too close to it. Step forward briskly 
with the right foot, feinting a swing, or a hook, etc., with 
your right hand take another swift forward step, this time with 
your left foot and, bringing your right fist back to guard your 
face, swerve toward the right, bending somewhat, and as you 
set yourself on your left foot, land heavily on the bag with your 
left hand. Here is another of the blows in which the forward 
rush of the body lends crushing force. As the fist hits the 
bag, your body should lean to the right so that an imaginary 
opponent could not counter with his left to any advantage. ■ 

In shifting to the left, feint with the left hand, advance first 
the left foot, then the right, and bending the body to the left, 
land on the bag with your right fist, guarding yourself v.-ith your 
left. 

THE OVERHAND SWING— NEVER USE IT IN PUNCHING 
THE BAG. 

(Fig. 18.) 
Do not make use of the overhand swing in bag punching. This 
blow is an exaggerated chop and serves to no good purpose, ex- 
cept in some phases of boxing. It gives a twang to the elbow 
that may result in a strain or a break, too. The stroke is awk- 
ward to deliver, and also makes difficult the landing of the fist 
squarely. 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 



^^LA'!*;,,. ,,.. 




Fig. 19— ANOTHKR BLOW TO l!E AVOIDED-RIGHT HAND UPPERCUT. 

) 



How to Punch the Bas. 



49 



THE RIGHT HAND UPPERCUT— THIS BLOW ALSO 
SHOULD BE AVOIDED. 

(Fig. 19.) 
Never use the right hand uppercut in manipulating the bag. 
Yon will but develop an improper and weak delivery of this 
important blow. The best method of learning it is to practice it 
with a companion or a sparring partner, and using boxing 
gloves. 

ELBOW EXERCISES. 

Exercises with the elbows interject a new element of interest 
into the art of punching the bag. The elbows can be used 
singly, doubly, or in combination with the hands and even the 
head. These movements are particularly efficacious in, and recom- 
mended for, the development and raising of the shoulders. 
Athletic experts have devised dumbbell and Indian club maneu- 
vers, which they term "shoulder raisers." Never, in all my 
experience, have I heard any gymnasium director or physical 
culturist speak of the punching bag in this especial connection, 
yet I unhesitatingly pronounce it to provide, in the elbow ex- 
ercises, the best "shoulder raisers" in existence. 

RIGHT, LEFT AND ALTERNATE ELBOW EXERCISES. 
THE RIGHT ELBOW. 

(Fig. 20.) 
The manipulation of the right elbow alone is done as follows: 
Stand close to the bag and to the left of it vv-ith the feet about 
two feet apart, clinch the right fist tightly and raising that elbow, 
strike the bag in the middle, or just below this point. To make 
the elbow as sharp as possible, bring the hand up and in, holding 
it close to your right breast. Strike the bag again on its first 
rebound, and keep it going rapidly. You can vary this exercise 
by hitting the bag with all your might and letting it rebound 
two or three times before again striking it. Another variation 
is the hitting of the elusive ball with either side of the elbow 



50 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Fig. 20— right ELBOW EXERCISE. 



Ho7v to Ptmch i/ie Bag. 5 1 

alternately sending it to the right with the under or inner side 
and to the left with the upper or outer side. This last move- 
ment is merely a little trick, pretty to watch and hear, but of no 
especial value. 

THE LEFT ELBOW. 

(Fig. 21.) 
Use the left elbow just as I have outlined the manipulation 
of the right, sending the bag of course to the left. The variations 
are the same for the left. Stand to the right of the ball, only 
about a foot, however, when hitting with the left elbow. 

ALTERNATE ELBOW MOVEMENTS. 

After you are an accomplished puncher with both elbows, try 
alternating them. Stand almost directly under the ball, and so 
that when still, it hangs with its middle opposite your nose. 
Clench both fists, hold them up close to your chest, and hit 
first with the right elbow, then with the left. There will 
be two bounces between each stroke. Hit the bag with the right 
elbow to the right side of the apparatus ; as it comes back, let it 
go across to and rebound from the left side, when you then hit it 
with the left elbow. As you alternate upward and downward 
they will resemble the walking beam of one of the old Mississippi 
packets, but "don't you care." 



TATTOOS. 

A tattoo is a mode of striking a bag so that it will rebound 
rapidly, and causing the sound of the bouncing to be continuous 
and have rhythm. Many kinds of tattoos are at the command of 
the puncher. They are both simple and complex tattoos ; in the 
latter, several different parts of the body being brought into 
play. 

In order to obtain the desired results, tattoos should be exe- 
cuted with dash and accuracy. The blows should be as uniform 
as possible in power unless certain strokes are to be accentuated 
in order to produce a studied effect. 

One of the chief values of strokes coming under this head 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Flo. -Jl-LKl'T ELBOW EXERCISE. 



How to Punch the Bag. 53 

is the fact that they encourage, indeed almost invariably de- 
mand, the alternate use of at least both hands, and frequently 
call into "action the elbows and sometimes even the head. Thus 
it will plainly be seen that tattoos develop a two-handed hitter, 
a kind of a man known among pugilists as a "two handed 
fighter." Also they help a man to strike with lightning like 
rapidity, and teach him to maintain a cool head under bewilder- 
ing circumstances. Not the least among the attributes of tattoos 
is their tendency to quicken the eye and the brain. 

TATTOO IN WHICH TWO HANDS ALONE ARE USED. 

(Fig. 22.) 

A popular form of tattoo is executed by standing directly in 
front of the bag, close to it, and hitting out straight in front, 
hitting the ball alternately with either hand. Keep the ball 
going rapidly, striking it squarely with the fist. Another tattoo 
somewhat similar to the foregoing is done as follows : 

Stand close to the bag and send it to the left with a short 
right hook. Do so again on the first rebound and repeat the 
maneuver a certain number of times. After using the right 
fist, alternate with the left, striking the same number of blows 
as with the right. If you choose you may begin by striking a 
single blow with the right, and then one with the left, inserting 
a series of consecutive right or left blows whenever you wish. 
The tattoo I spoke of in the opening sentence of this section 
was probably the foundation of all other strokes of this sort. 

A TATTOO WITH ELBOW AND HAND. 

(Fig. 23.) 
Stand slightly to the right of the bag and place the right 
foot in front of the left. Raise the right elbow and hit the 
bag so that it bounds forward and to the right in a slanting 
direction. Follow quickly with the left fist, on the first rebound. 
Alternate elbow and fist as swiftly as possible. After learning 
this combination of the right elbow and right fist, develop the 
use of the left elbow and the right fist. 



54 



Spala'i ng' s ^ItJileiic Lib^'ar 




Fig. 22— tattoo WITH BOTH HANDS. 



Hozv to Punch the Bag. 55 

HOW TO BEAT A TATTOO WITH BOTH ELBOWS AND 
BOTH HANDS. 

The elbows add complications to more alvanced forms of the 
tattoo. An effective manner of punching the bag with hands 
and elbows, and which appears to be three times more difficult 
than really is the case, I will now make known to you. Stand 
close to the bag, separating the feet, sideways, by about twenty 
inches. Neither one should project beyond the other. Hit the 
bag, say, with the left elbow, as it rebounds meet it with the 
right fist. On the next rebound let it swing to the opposite (the 
right) side of the apparatus. Meet the first rebound with the 
right elbow, the second with the left fist. On the next rebound, 
let the bag swing to the left side, when the same strokes are 
repeated, etc. 

Tattoos seem possibly of infinite variation. To add another 
to your list, insert a back hand blow, or better, tap, in the com- 
bination blow I have just described. By so doing you will 
have mastered what we might term a "triple tattoo." When you 
have hit the bag to the left with the left elbow, meet the first re- 
bound with a tap from the back of the left hand. Save the 
right fist for the second rebound. As the bag comes back from 
the right side the first time, jab it with the right elbow, fol- 
lowing with the back (or knuckles) of the right hand on the 
second bounce, the left hand then taking effect on the next 
rebound. The order of these blows will be as follows: Left 
elbow, back of left fist, right hand — these punches sending the 
bag to the left; to the right — right elbow, back of right fist, left 
hand. 

PUNCHING THE BAG BY MEANS OF THE HEAD, FRONT 
AND BACK. 

(Fig. 24.) 
The head may play an important part "in bag punching. It 
can be used alone in various ways, and also in combination. By 
punching or butting the bag with th< head, you will greatly 



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Fig. 23-TATTOO WITH ELBOWS AND HANDS. 



How to Ftinch the Bag, 57 

i^trengthen the muscles of the neck and partly those of the 
shoulders. In addition you will accustom yourself to receiving 
blows on the head to such an extent that when you encounter 
them in boxing they will be robbed of their intended effect to 
some degree. Therefore head punching may be said to serve 
a twofold purpose. 

Probably the best head movement is performed by standing 
directly under the bag and alternating forward and backv/ard 
blows, in the first projecting the bag by means of butts with 
the forehead, and in the latter hitting it with the back of the 
head. When you butt the bag forward, let it rebound to the 
back of the apparatus. Then on its next rebound (the first from 
the rear) force it back again, and permit it to swing across 
to the forward side of the apparatus, so that it will rebound for 
another forehead blow. Try this maneuver a few times at first 
and gradually increase the number. Of course you should not 
wish to develop the neck to a marked extent. A neck with too 
much muscle is thick and unsightly, and is an undesirable pos- 
session for a man who is not a heavyweight pugilist of the 
slugging, unscientific school. 

You can also divert yourself by using either the forehead or 
the back head movement individually. The first named butt de- 
velops the throat muscles particularly ; the back head blow acts 
principally on the muscles extending between the back of the 
head and the shoulders. 

HITTING (OR BUTTING) THE BAG WITH THE SIDES OF 
THE HEAD. 

(Fig. 25.) 

To develop the muscles of the sides of the neck and the tops 
of the shoulders, stand under the bag and propel it first to the 
left with the left side of the head, then to the right with the 
right side, striking in both cases with the upper part of the 
head's side, if possible, well above the ears. 

This blow, enlarging and strengthening the muscles of the 
sides of the neck, completes the list of best known head ma- 



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Fig. 24— hitting THE UAG WITH HEAD— FRONT AND BACK. 



Ho7v to Punch the Bag. 59 

neuvers. It is practically needless to mention the fact that 
either side of the head may be used alone, just as in the case 
of the front and back blows. Do not try to produce any sort 
of a tattoo effect with the head, unless it is used in combination 
with the hands and the elbows, or both. The excessively rapid 
movement, or jerking, of the head is certain to induce dizziness 
and resultant discomfiture and inaccuracy. 

In all head blows that I have described and portrayed in the 
illustrations, keep the feet v/ell apart so as to form a brace. Un- 
less you steady yourself in this manner you are absolutely sure 
to lose your balance. 

THE CORRECT METHOD OF ALLOWING THE BAG TO 
SWING PAST THE HEAD. 

(Fig. 26.) 

Whenever it becomes necessary to let the bag swing past the 
head, do not drop, or squat, awkwardly under it. Ducking, 
of course, is permissible, and indeed advocated under certain 
circumstances. For ordinary purposes, however, keep the body 
erect, leaning forward a trifle, ^and inclining the shoulders 
(bending at the waist) and head to either side. Thus the bag 
will swing past your cheek. When leading with your left hand, 
invariably incline to the right. By so doing you would place 
yourself out of harm's way to some extent in a boxing match. 
A right hand lead should be accompanied, or better followed, by 
an inclination to the left. Rise on the ball of the right foot 
as you incline to the left, keeping both legs straight (with stiff- 
ened knees). Come upon the ball of left foot in leaning to the 
right. 

Turn your face slightly away from the bag as it swings past 
your head, keeping your eyes on the bag however. 

DO NOT DROP BOTH YOUR HANDS TO YOUR SIDES AT 
ANY TIME. 

(Fig. 27.) 
Always be careful to keep your hands, whether partly opened 



6o 



Spalding's Athletic Library, 




Flu. 25— HITTING THE BAG WITH SIDES OF THE HEAD. 



How to Punch the Bag. 6l 

or clinched, raised as a possible means of protection. Never, at 
any rate, drop your hands and remain standing upright in the 
orbit of the bag. If you do, you are very likely to receive a 
painful blow in the face from the bounding bag, which I freely 
confess is no respecter of persons. A boxer who would drop 
both hands in the ring would meet with a sad and untimely end, 
therefore do not contract the habit in punching the bag. Re- 
member that for the time being the bag is an opponent, and one 
that demands the respect of its antagonists. He who takes liber- 
ties with the punching bag will one day do the same with a 
real, live member of the fistic brotherhood, and may I be spared 
the task of writing a description of the obsequies. 

THE INCORRECT METHOD OF AVOIDING THE BAG 
WHILE IT IS REBOUNDING. 

(Fig. 28.) 
In this pose I illustrate what not to do when the bag swings 
across from one side of the apparatus to the other. In addition 
to the awkwardness of your position and its pernicious effect, 
which I described in detail when referring to photo No. 26, the 
bag will oftentimes strike the top of your head in its passage, 
thus throwing it out of its natural course, or stopping its prog- 
ress entirely. 

THREE SIMPLE WAYS IN WHICH THE BAG MAY BE 
MANIPULATED. 

Frequently a bag puncher wearies of the regularly prescribed 
blows, and takes a fancy to use an easy blow or two merely as a 
diversion to fill this need. I will now describe three strokes, 
A, p and C, that are as simple as can be desired. 

A- (Fig. 29.) 
Stand with the left foot advanced, the body slanting toward 
the bag. Strike with the left hand, sending the ball straight out 
in front. Hit it agam with the left on the first rebound, and 
repeat the blow as many times as you like. 



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Fig. 26— correct WAY TO LET THE BAG PASS THE HEAD. 



How to Punch the Bag. 63 

B-(Fig. 30.) 
Stand facing the bag almost squarely, possibly advancing the 
right foot a trifle. Guard yourself with your left, and hit the 
bag in the same manner as I directed you to do with left in the 
punch immediately preceding this. 

C-(Fig. 31.) 

With the legs apart, stand r.bcut twenty inches away from the 

bag and strike it with short hooks, alternating the hands. Put 

the swing and weight of the whole body into these punches. 

Strike the bag as it is about to pass your face in its rebounds. 



Spalding's Athletic Library, 







Fig. 27— do NOT DR., 



'u K .>1DES AT ANY TIME. 



A FEW WORDS REGARDING COMPETI- 
TIONS, EXHIBITIONS, ETC. 



The bag puncher that educates himself with the idea in view 
that he will some day participate in contests against other per- 
formers, or will use his ability for exhibition purposes, must 
pursue a course differing from that of he who exercises for 
physical betterment only. The man with future competition in 
view should have three words to guide him at all times. They 
are accuracy, rapidity, and originality. Of the value and need 
of the first and. second qualities I 'have already spoken in vari- 
ous of the foregoing pages. Concerning originality, I would say 
that every intelligent puncher of the bag can, if he but give the 
matter a little time and thought, develop new maneuvers, or at 
least, novel variations of old ones. A punch or series of 
punches somewhat out of the ordinary, and well executed, in- 
variably has a favorable effect on judges. 

Do not, by any means, permit yourself to become nervous, 
that is, unduly so, or disturbed in any w^ay, during a contest or 
an exhibition. Weakness of this sort will put you ''off your 
feed," and cause you to perform poorly. The deviation of a 
half inch, sometimes, in a punch, will throw you out of your 
stroke, and thus ruin the effect of an entire performance. 

The exhibitor and the competitor, in addition, should always 
have and use his own private apparatus. All the prominent punch- 
ers own their own bags, framework, etc., and in becoming accus- 
tomed to them, are capable of better work than on an apparatus 
open to general use. 

Make a point, too, of appearing in contests of any description 
in a neat, sightly, unencumbersome costume. Wear a sleeve- 
less jersey if you would command the free use of your arms. 

Do not attempt blows that are unreasonably fantastic. Fancy 
bag punching, of course, is a very admirable form of diversion, 
but there is a difference between fancy bag manipulation and 

65 



66 



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Fig. 28-NEVER DUCK THE BAG THIS WAY. 



How to Punch the Bag. 67 

impracticable strokes that confuse in your mind whatever of 
merit you may already have learned. The practical bag puncher 
is one who does not waste time on exercises that are intensely 
intricate and that develops no particular muscles. He is also 
a person who, as a rule, can readily explain in accurate detail 
the blows he has mastered. 

Do not punch the bag in a mechanical, monotonous sort of 
manner." Have a clearly defined reason for every move. Study 
the principles of cause and effect as applied to the puncher's 
realm of activity. There are bag punchers of my acquaintance 
that have more than ordinary control of the bounding, bouncing 
ball. They can interest and amuse even some of the most criti- 
cal experts. Yet, these selfsame individuals could not, for a 
full grown fortune, analyze any but the more simple blows. They 
know what they do, and when they do it, but as for how and 
why, well, that is a different matter. They are visionary, im- 
practical folk, who will never advance beyond a certain point. 
After learning to execute a certain blow with one hand, repeat 
it with the other, as I directed in many of the preceding para- 
graphs relating to individual blows. Learn to perform the blow 
backward, if possible, and by so doing you will understand 
it the better. Every punch is made up of separate parts. In 
combination blows they are multiplied. Learn to know these 
component movements when you see them. 

GOOD FORM AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE BAG PUNCHER. 

How often we hear the term, "good form." In every branch 
of athletics it is applied in various ways, in every day life it , 
comes into play, and in fact, every imaginable phase of existence 
the expression has its office. Good form is a merging under one 
head of good taste, observance of custom, propriety, and a gen- 
eral gracefulness of carriage and manner. The bag puncher 
who is in "good form" believes in being gentlemanly under all 
circumstances and in conforming to such regulations as govern 
his place of exercise. If in a gymnasium he will cease work 
after a period, to permit some other aspirant to practice. He will 



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Spalding s Athletic Library 




Flu. v>'.t AN l.AbV METHOD (Ske I'agi. <A- X 



Hoiv to Punch the Bag. 69 

not belabor the bag with powerful blows that make terrific noise, 
when people near find such interruption unpleasant, and he will 
not boast of superior accomplishment to such an extent that 
hearers will consider him a "blow hard" and an unmitigated 
bore. Let someone else sound your praises if you deserve them. 
The "good form" puncher is also one wdio gives careful atten- 
tion to his dress. He is ncai and trim, a pleasure to the eye. 

In actual pundiing good form consists in maintaining absolute 
correctness in delivering strokes. The pose of the body 
will be one of ease. An idle hand or arm will be held in a posi- 
tion in harmony with the punch under consideration. Elbows 
will not project to the side unless they should. Knees will bend 
only at the proper intervals. The back and shoulders will be 
held erect when required. In fact, the smallest evidence of care- 
lessness, or slouchiness will detract from what constitutes this 
highly to be desired cr.semble of correctness — good form. 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Fig. 30- another EASY METHOD (See Page 63-E). 



FIGHTING THE BAG" 



AN ATTRACTIVE, HYGIENIC AND STRENUOUS FORM OF DIVERSION 
WITH THE PUNCHING APPARATUS. 



When a man has obtained what might be termed a "working 
knowledge" of bag punching, he may then indulge in an ex- 
tremely fascinating and at the same time body-improving inter- 
change of blows. The particular feature I have in mind is what 
pugilists call "fighting the bag." 

In fighting a punching bag you conduct yourself exactly as 
you would if pitted against a boxer in the ring. You lead varied 
blows, blocking, ducking, and sidestepping the bag in its re- 
"bounds, and following up your leads with additional punches. 
Even a momentary consideration of this scheme will show the 
reader that striking (I do not use this word in the sense of a 
pun) possibilities exist in it. You can form endless variations, 
bringing every imaginable sort of a blow into play, in widely 
differing combinations. Ten minutes' practice twice a day in 
fighting the bag will produce wonderful advancement in your 
ability in the course of a month, and moreover, you will thus 
place at your command a highly attractive means for entertain- 
ing your friends, and for displaying your powers in exhibitions. 

The average bag puncher pays little if any attention to fighting 
the bag, except with a succession of blows of the same descrip- 
tion, or by repeating indefinitely the same punch. He thereby 
makes a mistake, which I sincerely trust the readers of this book 
will not imitate. 

The seeming lack of system which attends the fighting of the 
bag in true pugilistic fashion does not necessarily offer an excuse 
for a puncher to deteriorate in form. While it is true that the 
use of a variety of blows in quick succession naturally tends to 
take the finish and accuracy from a man's work, yet you will 
find that by keeping your mind intently on what you are doing, 
and by beginning slowly, gradually warming up to the climax, 
5'ou will be enabled to maintain an acceptable degree of meritori- 
ous and uniformly effective execution. 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




Fig. 31— short RIGHT AND LEFT HOOKS (See Page 63-C). 



//r'Ti' to Fuiich the Bag. 73 

Of course I might continue under this subject and outline cer- 
tain combinations of blows that I have used to advantage in 
fighting the spheroid. The best plan, however, will be to omit 
doing this, and thus make each individual puncher responsible 
for his own system, in this case. Originality will thus receive 
needed encouragement. 

ALWAYS TRESKRVE YOUR BALANCE. 

While in the previous pages of this book I have occasionally 
mentioned the subject of balance, I wish to take this oppor- 
tunity to consider it more ful^y. You should always bear 
in m"nd that the boxer who becomes easily unbalanced is one 
whose finish is approaching with fateful rapidity, and deter- 
mine that you will never develop this weakness in punching the 
ball. 

Whenever you strike be sure that your feet are so placed that 
either one or both will effectively brace your body as your hand 
and arm reach the outward limit of a punch, or as you lunge 
forward with the head and chest. In ducking, shifting and 
stdesteppmg, too, balance should receive unstinted consideration. 

Balance, and by this I mean perfect balance, is as important 
to the puncher as a rudder is to a ship. If you deHver a blow 
and wobble on j^our legs like a weak-kneed old victim of dip- 
somania, you will present an inspiring sight, won't you? Specta- 
tors will be apt to remark "Huh, that fellow punch the bag; 
why. he hasn't learned how to stand yet." 

Faulty balance is generally the result of either of two things, 
wild, cyclonic blows, and an improper position of the feet. 
Do not swing your arms wildly, because, in addition to throw- 
ing yourself out of balance, you are also left wide open for what 
in boxing would be a return blow ; never hold your feet too 
close together. You will become unsteady and will resemble a 
tin soldier if you do. At the same time, always bear in mind that 
the height of awkwardness is shown by spreading your feet too 
far apart. There is a happy medium. Find it, and do not dis- 
regard it. 



THE ART AND WIDELY RECOGNIZED 
VALUE OF GAUGING DISTANCE 

A PUGILISTIC FEATURE HAVING PROMINENCE IN BAG PUNCHING. 



Hundreds of athletically inclined young men who would other- 
wise develop into successful bag punchers and boxers are dis- 
tinct failures because of their inability to gauge distance. The 
winning boxer is always a good judge of distance; bag punch- 
ers devoid of this attribute which, in fistiana might well be 
termed the sixth sense, never graduate from the novice class. 

Gauging distance is, in bag punching, the act of estimating ta 
a nicety the amount of space through which your fist must 
travel in order to hit the ball on a certain spot, and- also of 
calculating accurately the direction the bag is swinging in, or the 
position or location in which it will be when your fist meets 
it. A sharp, quick eye and a keen, analytical mind are required. 

As the ball bounds into position for your blow, gauge the 
distance, measuring in your mind the length of your reach and 
determining whether or not you will bend your body forward 
during the punch. Then shoot your hand out, completing the 
stroke, and maintaining your balance. Balance and distance 
gauging are the twin brothers of boxing and ball pounding. 
Each depends on, and works In harmony (at least so they 
should), with the other. 

The object of distance gauging is to enable you to deliver a 
blow so that it will strike the objective point at the one moment 
when all the influences concerned are working together, are 
concentrated. The impetus of the body, the swing of the arm, 
the final compressing of the fist and the defence with the free 
arm and hand, should all be combined at the same Instant, and It 
is at this psychological moment that the punch should take 
efi^ect. 

Gauging distance, too, is of use in defensive, as well as In 
offensive work. An accurate estimate of the course of the bag's 
swing, or of its variations, and in boxing, a calculation of an 

74 



Ho7v to Punch the Bag. ■ 75 

opponent's length of reach under varying conditions, etc., etc., 
often enables- one to avoid a return by a simple inclination of 
the head, or a slight bend brxkward. Under the same circum- 
stances, the novice would probably have jumped desperately 
backward, or lunged clumsilv to one side or the other. 



FANCY BAG PUNCHING 

BY (UTS KELLER, OF NEW YORK, UNBEATEN AS THE WORLD'S CHAMPION. 

AMATEUR BAG PUNCHER, AND NOV/ HOLDER CF IHE 

world's PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. 



Fancy bag punching is very different, in some respects, from 
the ordinary, and what might be named the practical mode of 
manipulating the bag. While the last-named branch of the sport 
is designed to de^'elop boxing ability, and promote the strength 
of the body, the fancy or purely exhibition branch does not aid 
the boxer to so great an extent, being more than anything else 
a means of specializing the punching of the bag as a science- in 
itself. Moreover, it develops agility and rapidity in the move- 
ment of the hands and arms rather than well developed muscles. 

Exhibition punching requires arduous study, constant prac- 
tice, in fact, everything that is meant by the expression, "unceas- 
ing devotion." A few days of idleness is as fatal to dexterity 
as a month of disuse would be to a pianist's fingers. 

The intricacy of some of the punches will at first seem ap- 
palling. An analysis of them, however, will speedily dispel most 
of the clouds. It is my purpose in this article to explain a few 
of the most attractive blows, and which can be added to the 
athlete's repertoire without considerable difficulty. 

The history of exhibition bag punching in this country does, 
not carry one back a great many years. Like the practical branch 
utilized by boxers, it is of comparatively recent development. At 
the present time, actual competitions are few and far between. 
The experts are scattered over wide territory, living in different 
States, and as prizes offered by promoters are seldom worth 
traveling a long distance to contest for, interest in matches is 
not wildly aroused. For instance, during the last decade, na- 
tional championship matches for fancy bag punchers have aver- 
aged less than one a year, and it is a pity that enthusiasm has. 
not been stirred by people who could, if they would, put the 
pastime on a regularly organized basis. The offering of suit- 
able prizes for contests to be held under reputable management 

76 



liovj to rtuiih the Bag. 77 

would result in returns that would be a genuine surprise to all 
concerned. There are hundreds of able punchers, who have 
spent years in perfecting themselves, who would gladly sign to 
compete under favorable circumstances. 

During these days fancy bag punchers in the professional divi- 
sion, find their principal revenue to be derived from vaudeville 
theatres and appearances at entertainments, club smokers, etc. 

The variations to which exhibition punching is susceptible 
are innumerable. When the combinations Vvith one bag have been 
exhausted, you may introduce two bags, then another, and again 
a fourth. These may be kept in motion with the use of the feet 
or knees, in addition to the hands, elbows and head, until the 
performer resembles a double- jointed jumping jack with the St. 
Vitus' dance throughout his entire system. In the illustrations 
to which I will refer in pages to follow, I will describe the simul- 
taneous use of two and three bags. 

Interesting and perhaps fascinating to watch, the operations 
of the fancy bag puncher are also entertaining to the ear. Musi- 
cal effects of various descriptions can be produced, and it is 
really surprising to learn how much rhythm and expression can 
be made evident in the rebounding of the ball. Tunes familiar 
to the hearers, can readily be recognized. "Yankee Doodle" 
and other simple airs are possible of amusingly realistic reproduc- 
tion. 

The floor bag which I show in several illustrations, is my 
own idea and invention. It may be used alone, or in combina- 
tion. I use it with two high bags, sometimes, and again with one. 
Also, as you will observe by examining the photos, I use in 
conjunction with another floor bag. One of the advantages of 
the floor bag is that it brings different muscles into action from 
those engaged by the best known sort. The back and legs receive 
exercise impossible to be had in the pounding of the bag sus- 
pended from a ceiling. The floor bag may be hit with the 
hands, the elbows, the knees or the feet, singly or in com- 
bination. 



78 



Spalding' s Athletic Library . 




How to Ptinch the Bag. 79 

THE SINGLE FLOOR BAG— THE SIMPLEST OF FLOOR 
BAG EXERCISES. 

The fundamental floor bag punch is the use cf the single bag 
with both hands, driving it first to one side and then to the other, 
using the hands alternately. Stand about eighteen inches away 
from the bag, spread your feet as far apart as possible and 
straighten your legs, not allowing the knees to bend in the slight- 
est degree. At first this position will strain the ligaments at 
the back of the knee joint and put considerable pressure on the 
muscles of the calves of your legs, but practice will overcome 
this discomfort and any others that may arise. Bend at the 
waist, and after putting the bag in motion by slapping it to 
cither side with the opened palm, strike the bag say first with 
the right fist causing it to hit the floor at your left. Let it re- 
bound to the right and as it rises from the floor send it to the 
right with your left. Do this about ten times on your first trial, 
increasing the number of punches as you progress. You can vary 
this maneuver by hitting the bag quite hard and letting it re- 
bound two or three times before repeating yowx stroke with the 
other hand. The bag is held to the floor by means of a swivel 
and short piece of strong cord or rope. 

A SINGLE FLOOR BAG EXERCISE IN V^HICH BOTH 

HANDS, ELBOWS, AND SOMETIIVJES THE 

HEAD ARE USED. 

(Fig. 32.) 
The floor bag movement I will now describe is somewhat in- 
volved, especially for those that have not yet entered the expert 
class. Let the cord to which the bag is fastened have about 
three inches play. This amount of slack, by the way, will be 
found ample for every floor bag exercise. After starting the ball 
in motion, hit it to the left side with the left elbow, meeting it 
on the first rebound with the back of the left fist. From the 
rebound, let the ball bounce over to th€ right side, and after 
striking it on the first rebound with the right elbow, return 



So 



Spalding's Athletic Library. 




How to PtincJi the Bug. Si 

it to the same side with the back of the right fist. After strik- 
ing the bag with either of the back hand blows, you can meet 
the ensuing rebound with the head if you desire to insert a 
variation, returning the bag to the same side from which it 
rebounded, of course. 

The head variation, however, should be tried only after the 
combination elbow and hand blow has been placed under perfect 
control. 

The muscles of the back, shoulders and neck receive excellent 
exercise in the foregoing maneuver and such as they will get in 
no other form of bag punching. The hips will also be broad- 
ened and the strain which the position places on the ankles will 
strengthen those much neglected joints. Be sure to have your 
arms and shoulders absolutely free from all cumbersome cloth- 
ing. Loosen your belt if you are accustomed to wearing it tight. 
Its pressure as you lean over will contract your abdomen and 
thus ii:terfere with your breathing, and which is hindered by the 
position you are in, even under the most favorable circum- 
stances. This pose in itself is extremely tiring, particularly at 
first, and therefore do not overtax your strength. Your blood 
may rush to your head somewhat until you are accustomed to 
the attitude, but practice will enable you to perform these blows 
without the slightest inconvenience. 



PUNCHING TWO FLOOR BAGS AT ONCE. 

(Fig. 2>Z-) 
I invented the floor bag about three years ago and afterward 
saw the possibility of using two of them simultaneously. In 
illustration No. -^^ I show what is considered the easiest mode 
of operating the double floor bags. I place the balls about two 
feet apart and stand about eight inches back from them. The 
legs must be stretched as far apart a^ the human frame will 
permit. Keep the knees rigid. Strike the right hand ball with 
the right elbow ; the left hand one with the left fist, making both 
of them swing to the right. 



S2 



Spalding's Athletic Library 




1— Punching a Floor Bag with Feet and Hands (Fig. 37). 
2— Punching a Floor Bag with Soles of Feet (Fig. 38). 
3— Rotary Bag, Using Elbows and Hands (Fig. 39). 
4— Punching a Floor Bag with Feet and Hands (Fig. 40). 



How to Punch the Bag. 83 

I do not let the double floor bags rebound far from the floor. 
I repeat the blows when they have risen but a few inches, say 
six or seven. 

When tired of bunching the floor bags to the right, raise your- 
self and allow them to bounce over to the floor at the left. Now, 
on the first rebound, hit the left bag with the left elbow, instead 
of the left fist, as before, and punch the right hand spheroid with 
the right fist. If you like the idea you can alternate the direc- 
tion of the bags from left to right, hitting them both in one 
direction, and then in the other. 

Then too, the elbows may be introduced, using one elbow 
alone, on one ball, and an elbow and the back of the same fist, 
on the other, etc., etc. 



JVIANIPULATING SIMULTANEOUSLY A SINGLE OVER- 
HEAD BAG AND A KNEE BAG. 

(Fig. 34.) 

The possibilities for all around development in bag punching 
are admirably illustrated by the fact that the science permits 
of the operation of a bag with the hands at the same time the 
knees are keeping one in motio*. During this exercise hardly a 
muscle in the entire body remains idle. 

To perform this "stunt" put the floor bag directly under the 
overhead spheroid as shown in the photo (Fig. 34). Place your 
feet on either side of the floor bag with about six inches of 
space separating them. As your legs form an angle your knees 
will be about four inches apart. 

Strike the overhead bag with the right fist, sending it to the 
left. At the instant your fist leaves the bag, bend sharply at the 
knees, hitting the lower bag with the bones of the legs just be- 
low the knee cap. As the upper bag comes back let it go to the 
right side, to which it is returned with the left fist on its first 
bound therefrom, not forgetting of course to continue bending 
at the knees to keep the lower ball in motion. 

After the upper bag is returned to the right with the left fist 



84 How to Punch the Bag. 

let the bag go to the left again, returning it to the same side 
with the left elbow, and to the same side again with the right 
fist. After this last blow, let the spheroid bound to the right side, 
where on the first rebound the right elbow returns it, only to be 
followed with another punch to the right with the left fist. 

Continue the right elbow and left fist, and the left elbow and 
right fist combination blows in conjunction with the knee strokes 
for from four to eight minutes, unless you feel capable of pro- 
longing the periods. 

The variations of which the combined knee and overhead bags 
are possible are also of great number, several of which are pos- 
sibly simpler than the foregoing. 

With practice you can alternate the knees in using the floor 
bag. The right knee will slant the bag somewhat to the left, 
as the accurate hitting of the rounded surface of the knee is 
necessarily difficult. The left knee will incline it to the right. 
The amount of variation from a straight line, however, will not 
interfere materially with the performance of the blows, as the 
knees can be moved a trifle as they are bent, to counteract the 
deviation. It will not be advisable to alternate the knees while 
using the overhead bags at the same time as the complication 
of movement will render good results well nigh impossible. 

Use the floor bag alone when alternating the knee strokes. 
If you hold your hands behind your back in this latter exercise, 
with the elbows projecting at either side, you will present an 
appearance better than that resulting from the holding of the 
hands as your sides, with the arms dangling loosely. In addition 
you will be aided in balancing yourself. 



THE SIMULTANEOUS PUNCHING OF TWO BAGS OVER- 
HEAD. 

(Fig. 35.) 
With two bags arranged overhead, as in illustration No. Z}^^ 
you can use many variations. The exercise I have posed for is 
comparatively easy for any person with a keen eye and a "cool" 



Ho7ii to Punch the Bag. 85 

head. Stand close to the bags with the left foot advanced before 
the right to a point directly under the bag that swings to your 
left. Face directly to the front, a trifle to the left of the right 
hand bag. Hit the left bag with the left elbow, at the same time 
striking the other with the outside of the clenched finger joints 
of your right fist. Do not bend your fist to hit with the 
broad face of the knuckles as you would in boxmg, for you will 
lose time by so doing. Keep both bags bounding to your left, 
hitting each at exactly the same moment. 

If you wish you may let them bounce over to the right side 
and then keep on returning them to that side hitting the right 
hand bag with the right elbow, and the left bag with the outside 
of the clenched finger joints of the left first. As the bags 
change over to the right, shift your position, advancing the right 
foot before the left, under the right hand bag. The puncher has 
a dull brain indeed who cannot invent at least a half dozen dif- 
ferent ways in which to punch these two bags. 



PUNCHING THREE BAGS AT ONCE— ONE FLOOR BAG 
AND TWO OVERHEAD. 

(Fig. 36.) 

Here we are confronted by a proposition that is more spec- 
tacular by far than difficult, even though appearances may indi- 
cate that an unusual amount of trouble and time should be ex- 
pended in the perfecting of it. To learn the mode of punching 
three bags simultaneously, one at the knees and two to be 
manipulated by the hands, requires patience, and dogged de- 
termination, that's all. 

Stand with the feet as close as, possible to the swivel to which 
the knee bag is connected. This bag should be placed at a point 
in the floor exactly between the two upper bags. Hold the 
body perfectly erect between the two bags swinging from the 
top of the apparatus. Bring up the arms and bend the elbows 
at angles exactly corresponding, so that the hands will be close 
to the face, and about on a line with the chin or the middle 



86 How to Punch the Bag. 

of the bags. Strike outward with each fist, hitting each upper 
bag in its middle, and just after the blows land, bend sharply at 
the knees, striking the lower bag with both knees at the 
same time. Straighten your knees as quick as a flash so as to 
be in an upright position to repeat the first blows on the over- 
head bags. Repeat as many times as you feel you can stand 
comfortably. 

Be very particular about the manner in which you hold your 
hands and in which you deliver your punches. Do not strike 
the upper bags with either the front or back of the fist. Hit 
them with the ends (sometimes called sides) of your clenched 
hands, the surface formed by the clenched little finger and the 
fleshy pad between the outside knuckle of this finger and the 
outside wrist bone, in short, the end (or side) opposite the 
thumb end (or side). 

This mode of striking is not practical for other purposes. It 
is never used in boxing, but it is indispensable for certain blows 
in fancy bag punching. In this form of the sport, expediency 
must necessarily be given precedence above all other things. 
Whatever is practical for the fighter, but not expedient for the 
bag puncher, must be given but secondary consideration here, 
consequently the boxer is just as well, if not better, off if he 
leawes the exhibition end of the game out of his reckoning. 

Variations are again possible in the three bag movements. I 
'will not attempt to enumerate or describe them, however. It 
will be a very easy matter for any puncher to find them for 
himself. I will leave them to his ingenuity. 



PUNCHING A FLOOR BAG (SITTING), USING THE FEET 
AND HANDS. 

(Fig. Z7-) 

Sit on the extreme edge of a chair which has been placed 

about a foot back from the floor bag. Lean forward and start 

the ball bounding straight before you, hitting it alternately with 

the hands. When you have it bouncing in a satisfactory fashion. 



How to Punch the Bag. 87 

not too swiftly at this juncture, alternate the feet with the li.ands. 
Strike first with the right hand, then with the right foot ; fol- 
low with the left hand and the left foot. Vary the exercise by 
changing the order in which you use your hands and feet and 
the number of times they are brought into play. 

Balance yourself by touching the floor with the free foot be- 
tween every blow. This maneuver is exceedingly fatiguing. A 
few minutes a day will suffice for even the most ambitious per- 
formers. 

A single foot and a single hand can be used in combination to 
advantage. Do not at any stage bring the toe of either foot in 
contact with the bag. By so doing you will cause it to take a 
■sudden jump that will throw you cut of your stroke and destroy 
whatever rhythm you have succeeded in putting into the series 
of blows. Naturally a kick will give a bag more impetus than a 
careful tap with the sole of the foot. 



SITTING AND OPERATING A FLOOR BAG WITH THE 
SOLES OF THE FEET. 

(Fig. 38.) 

On reading the heading of this section of the book, some of 
the uninitiated may imagine for a moment that the exercise to 
be considered is one that will give them a chance to rest. They 
will probably believe it to be a lazy man's task. Do not' let any 
such idea linger in your brain for a hundredth part of a second. 
True, the bag puncher will now sit down to his work, but when 
he finishes, he is fully aware of the fact that there has been 
"something doing." 

The calves of the legs and the ankles will be strengthened 
somewhat by this exercise in which the floor bag is kept in mo- 
tion by the soles of the feet. Place a chair at such a distance 
from the bag that your feet will project about fourteen inches 
beyond the swivel when the legs are straightened. Draw up the 
knees, and while bracing the body with the hands grasping the 
seat of the chair, as in the illustration, hit the ball with one foot 



88 IIo7ii to Punch the Bag. 

and then the other. The part of the sole of the shoe covering 
the ball and toes of the foot should come in contact with the 
bag. 

Bend the ankles during the exercise. Do not let all the im- 
pulse come from the knees. Avoid hitting the bag with the 
heels. Brace your back firmly against the back of the chair. 
Throw your shoulders well to the rear. Hold your chin in and 
watch the bag closely. Very the movements by sometimes hit- 
ting the bag with a single foot continuously. 



A BAG PUNCHING NOVELTY— THE ROTARY BAG, WITH 

WHICH THE ELBOWS AND THE HANDS, SINGLE 

OR IN COMBINATION, ARE USED. 

(Fig. 39-) 

The rotary bag makes necessary a new sort of apparatus, simi- 
lar to that shown in illustration No. 41. However, on trying the 
innovation, experienced punchers will find themselves anxious 
indeed to expend the small sum required to procure it. 

In the use of the rotary bag the hands alone, the elbows alone, 
or both hands and elbows can be brought into action in several 
combinations. 

The rotary apparatus consists of three pieces of ordinary gas 
pipe joined as shown in the aforementioned illustration, and each 
of which should be about two feet long. Small wire cable or 
strong rope can be extended to four eyes fastened in the floor 
in the same manner as shown in the photo, form satisfactory 
"stays." 

The bag is suspended from the middle of the top section of 
pipe — the cross piece. The cord to which it is attached is looped 
around the pipe, thus affording a connection permitting rapid 
rotation. 

To punch the rotary bag start it going with the hand, say 
from left to right. It must not touch the floor. As the bag 
swings under the cross piece and upward to the right, meet it 
with the right fist. Hit is moderately at first. Let it spin around 



How to Punch the Bag. 89 

two or three times. Then meet it with the left fist, sending it 
whirhng round and round in the opposite direction. Follow the 
left fist punch with a right elbow blow, and vice versa. You 
can let the bag swing around more than the three times or less, 
as you think best. Then again, you can punch it back and forth, 
using the hands alternately, without making use of the elbows, 
or you can let the elbows do all the work. 

To those never having used a rotary bag, the illustration, of 
which these paragraphs are descriptive should be the subject of 
careful study. 

STANDING AND KEEPING A FLOOR BAG IN MOTION 
WITH FEET AND HANDS. 

(Fig. 40.) 

To add another punch to the list of floor bag variations, stand 
with the feet directly against the swivel (on either side). Strike 
the bag first v/ith the right fist, then with the ball of the right 
foot ; then with the left foot, following with the left fist. To 
vary the movement, use first both hands, then both 'feet alter- 
nately. 

Here again the muscles of the back and legs are given effective 
exercise. Care must be taken that the fists strike the bag as 
near its middle as possible. It is highly desirous that the sphe- 
roid be given as little slant in its rebounds as is consistent with 
fast work. Always make sure that the bag used in foot blows is 
well inflated. An unresponsive ball will destroy all chance of 
good results. 

PUNCHING A FLOOR BAG WITH KNEES AND HANDS. 

A movement somewhat similar to the preceding one is per- 
formed by keeping the ball (the floor ball) in motion with the 
hands and knees, instead of with the hands and feet. Place 
the feet close to, and on either side of the swivel. Stand erect 
and hit the bag with first one knee, then the other. Follow 
with using the hands alternately. Vary the pastime by hitting 



90 



How to Pituch the Bas:. 



the bag different numbers of times consecutively with either 
hand or either foot, before alternating in this order for instance, 
or similar to it : 

Right hand, three times ; left hand, three times ; left knee, 
three times ; right knee, three times. 

If you choose, strike four or five consecutive blows before 
changing to the other hand or foot, instead of the three, or 
in preference to a single blow as first suggested. 



WHAT A BAG PUNCHER NEEDS 



What to wear and what to use is very important with the one who 
desires to take exercise by punching the bag. 

The newest thing in the way of a bag 
is Spalding's Patent Striking Bag. It con- 
sists of a rope to whicli is knotted a 
wooden ball. The rope is fastened to the 
striking bag platform and the ball end 
dropped into the opening at the top of 
the bag, after which the lace is tightened, 
and bag is ready. The bag will swing 
true, because it is made so, and it cannot 
make a false move, no matter how hard it 
is hit. There is no loop to interfere with 
the rope, and in general action i^ is the 
most certain in the market. The illustra- 
tions in this book of Young Corbett, taken 
at his training quarters in New York City, 
show him using a No, 19 Spalding Striking 
Bag. This bag is the best bag manufac- 
ured. It is made of the highest quality 
Patna kid — the lightest and strongest of 
leather — sewed with silk, double stitched and reinforced throughout, 
and costs $7.00. The next best grade is called the " Fitzsimmons 
Special " No. 18. It is made of finest selected Napa tanned leather, 
extra well made ; double stitched, welted seams and reinforced 
throughout. For training -purposes particularly this bag will be 
found extremely satisfactory in every respect. It costs $5.00. The 
same bag, but smaller in size and lighter, intended' for very speedy 
work, is the Spalding No. 18S. It costs $5.00 also. 

An excellent bag for gymnasium use, where a great deal of work is 
naturally required of a bag, is Spalding's No. 20. This is made 
of finest selected calfskin, double stitched, welted seams and rein- 




91 



92 



Hozv to Punch the Bag. 




No- E-R 



forced throughout. It is very 
fast and will give excellent satis- 
faction. The price is $5.50. 

For those who wish a bag at a 
lower price than the foregoing we 
recommend any of the following : 
Spalding's No. 12. Made of 
olive tanned leather, specially 
selected : double stitched, welted 
seams and reinforced throughout. 
Excellent for quick work. Each, 
$4.00, 

Spalding's No. 10. Made of 
specially tanned glove leather ; 
double . stitched, welted seams 
and reinforced throughout. A 
substantial bag, well made in 
every particular. Each, $3.00, 

Spalding's No. 17. Made of 
fine maroon tanned leather, well 
finished ; double stitched, welted 
seams and reinforced throughout. 
A good all-around bag. Each, 
$2.50. 

Spalding's No. 16. Made of 
extra fine grain leather ; lined 
throughout and very well made. 
Each, I2.00. 

Spalding's No. 15. Made of 
olive tanned leather ; welted 
seams and lined throughout. 
Each, $1.50. 

Spalding's No. ij. Made of 
light russet tanned leather ; lined 
throughout and well put together. 
Each, $1.00. 



Ho7o to Punch the 



One of the objections urged 
against a striking bag in a house 
is the noise and vibration occa- 
sioned by the bag striking the 
ordinary bag punching platform. 
So far as it is physically possible, 
Spalding's have eliminated both 
of these disagreeable features in 
their " Inflated " style of Striking 
Bag Disk. The bag does not hit 
against a solid frame, but against 
a pneumatic cushion, and conse- 
quently there is no more noise 
than that occasioned by the fist 
tapping the bag, while on the 
same account the vibration is re- 
duced to a minimum. This is 
the style used by Young Corbett. 

The various styles of Spalding 
Inflated Striking Bag Disks are 
given below : 

Adjustable style — Spalding's 
No. AR. This can be raised or 
lowered simply by loosening the 
jamb thumb-nuts. Is perfectly 
firm and solid when thumb-nuts 
are tightened and has a long 
space for adjustment. The price, 
complete, without bag, is |io.oo. 

Doorway style — Spalding's No. 
BR. The doorway style is 
bracketed out from a doorway 
bar, having a single overhead 
brace, which is screwed to the 
wall above the door. The door- 
way bar is made of iron pipe 




94 



How to Punch the Boi 



having rubber cushions on ends. Turning the pipe causes the end 
sockets to spread, jamming the cushions against the sides of door 
and making the bar firm and rigid. The bar may also be used as a 
"chinning" horizontal bar. In ordering, state width of doorway. 
The doorway disk also costs $10,00, \vithout the bag, 

Wall braced style — Spalding's No. ER. This is equipped with 
substantial wall braces and is a very satisfactory style. The cost, 
complete, without bag, is $7.50. 

The solid disk for striking bags will always hold a high place 
in the estimation of many on account of the variety of work it permits. 
The style originally introduced by A. G. Spalding & Bros, some 
years ago is the one which has been imitated most generally, but in 
all these substitutes the makers, M-hile making them lighter, have 
uniformly neglected the most essential point and have produced an 
article flimsy and unsatisfactory to a degree. 

A striking bag disk must be substantial if it is to be of use, 
and in the various styles, both adjustable and braced, which are 
listed below, the feature has not been neglected, wh'le efforts have 
been made to put out a disk which is suitable for home use and 
moderate in price. 

Adjustable style — Spalding's No. CR. This platform is similar to 
No. AR, except the inflated feature. It costs, complete, without 
bag, $7-50. 

Doorway style — Spalding's No, DR. Similar to No. BR, except 
the inflated feature. Price, complete, without bag, $7.50. 

Wall braced style — Spalding's No. FR. Similar to No. ER, except 
the inflated feature. Complete, without bag, $5.00. 

For those who for various reasons are not so situated or do not 
wish to use a single end striking bag, the Spalding Double End 
Striking Bags will be found very satisfactory. They can be sus- 
pended in a doorway or from the ceiling and fastened to the floor. 
These bags are all made with ball-and-lace fastening, same as the 
single end bags, and are packed complete with bladder, rubber cord 
fcr floor, and rope for ceiling attachment. The various styles and 
prices are as follows : 

Spalding's No. 7. Made of finest selected Napa tan leather, and 



Hoii' to Punch the Bag. 95 

workmansliip of same quality as in the " Fitzsimmons Special " Bag. 
Double stitched, welted seams, best quality Para rubber bladder. An 
extremely durable and lively bag. Com- 
plete in box and carefully inspected 
before packing. Each, $5.00. 

Spalding's No. 6. Extra fine olive 
tanned leather cover, double stitched, 
Avelted seams. Extra w^ell made through- 
out. Complete, $4.00. 

Spalding's No. 5. Regulation size, 
specially tanned glove leather cover, 
welted seams, double stitched and sub- 
stantially made. Complete, $3.50. 

Spalding's No. 43^. Regulation size, 
fine maroon tanned leather, and welted 
seams. Well finished throughout. Com- 
plete, I3.00. 

Spalding's No. 4. Regulation size, fine 
grain leather cover ; well made through- 
out, double stitched, Complete, $2.50. 

Spalding's No. 3. Regulation size, 
substantial red leather cover, reinforced 
and welted seams. Complete, $2.00. 

Spalding's No. 2/^. Medium size, 
good quality, dark olive tanned leather, 
well put together, and welted seams. 
Complete, $1.50. 

Spalding's No. 2. Medium size, good 
light russet tanned leather, substantially 
made, double stitched. Complete, $1.00. 

Special striking bag mitts are now 
made in several styles. There is the 
knuckle mitt that comes Avell padded, 
for 25 cents and" 50 cents. Then the 
gloves that are made of the finest tan 
kid and well padded sell for $1 75, and 
another pair for I1.25. 




96 



How to Punch the Bul 




The Spalding Aerial Strik- 
ing Bag Platform is entirely 
new and combines in itself 
all the good points that are 
found in any other bag plat- 
form, and is so arranged with 
pulleys and guy ropes that it 
can be used in almost any 
kind of a room. Just the kind 
of a platform for one who is 
anxious to become a theatrical 
bag puncher. 

In exercising, it is imma- 
terial what sport you indulge in, separate 
uniforms should be used for health as well 
as comfort. As good a shoe as one could 
wish for is Spalding's high cut rubber sole 
canvas shoe, No. iH, which sells for $1.50. 
Another one, of the same style but a cheaper 
grade, sells for |i,oo. Then there are low 
cut shoes that can be procured at Spalding's 
as low as 75 cents. 

Athletes and boys who take exercise in the 
gymnasium use a sleeveless shirt, No. 600, 
which sells for $1.25, and No. 6E, at 50 cents. 





Hoiv to Punch the Bar. 



97 




Knee pants can be bought at $1.25, 75 cents 
and 50 cents per pair. 

If bag punching is merely a part of your 
evening work, you by all means want a 
sweater, because one is liable to catch cold 
after exercise. Spalding's No. A Intercol- 
legiate Sweater, which is the official sweater 
used by nearly all the college players, sells at 
|6 00, No. B, good heavyweight, for $5.00, 
and No. C, for $4.00, and Spalding's No. 3. 
Shaker sweater at I3.00, If the price of the 
good sweaters is too high, a jersey can be 
worn, which sells for $2.50 each. 

For exhibition purposes, full length tights 
should be worn. Spalding's No. lA full 
length tights, made of the best worsted, sell 
$3 75 per pair, but they have others as low as 
pi.oo. 



Every boy who is interested in boxing should get a copy of 
Spalding's Athletic Library No. 162 — "How to Become a Boxer." 
For many years books have been issued on the art of boxing, but it 
has remained for us to arrange a book that we think is sure to fill all 
demands. It contains 210 pages, including over 70 pages of illustra- 
tions showing all the latest blows, posed especially for this book by 
one of the best instructors of boxing in the United States, who 
makes a specialty of teaching and who knows how to impart his 
knowledge. Each blow is thoroughly explained and instructions 
given telling how it should be delivered and how avoided. By fol- 
lowing this book any two boys can easily become proficient boxers. 
The book also contains photographs of all the leading American 
boxers, and official boxing rules. No one who would like to be a good 
boxer should neglect to possess this book. 



The Spalding Patent 
Inflated Striking Bag Disks 



Patent Pending 




DOORWAY STYLE 

Is bracketed out from a doorway bar, having^ a single overhead brace, which is 
screwed to the wall above the door. The doorway bar is made of iron pipe 
having rubber cushions on ends. Turning the pipe causes the end sockets to 
spread, jamming the cushions against the sides of door and mai<ing the bar 
firm and rigid. The bar may also be used as a "chinning" horizontal bar. In 
ordering, state width of doorway. 



No. BR. Complete, without bag. 



. Each, $10.00 



Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

Chicago Philadelphia 

Baltimore Buffalo 

Minneapolis Denver 

London, England 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreah, Can. 



LofO 



The Spalding Patent 
Inflated Striking Bag Disks 



Patent Pending 




WE need not dilate 
on the healthful 
attributes so generally 
recognized, but if any- 
thing can make bag- 
punching more popular 
we think the style disks 
we introduce this season 
will go far in that direc- 
tion. No complaint is 
more common, in refer- 
ence to the ord nary 
platform, than the an- 
noyance caused by its 
vibration and noise. So 
far as it is physically 
possible we have elimi- 
nated both of these dis- 
agreeable featiires. The 
bag does not hit against a 
solid frame, but instead 
we have a pneumatic 
cushion, and conse- 
quently there is no 
more noise than that 
occasioned by the fist 
tapping the bag, while 
on the same account the 
vibration is reduced to a 
minimum. 



ADJUSTABLE STYLE 

Can be rai.sed or lowered simply by loosening the jamb thumb-nuts. 

Is perfectly firm and solid when thumb-nuts are tightened and has 

a long space for adjustment. 

No. AR. Complete, without bag. Each, $10.00 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia San Francisco 

St. Louis Boston Buffalo Baltimore 

Denver Minneapolis Kansas City Montreal, Can. 

London, England. 



The Spalding Patent 
Inflated Striking Bag Disks 



Patent Pending 




WALL BRACED 
STYLE 

Equipped with substantial 
wall braces and a very satis- 
factory style. 

Complete, without bag. 
No. ER. . Each, $7.50 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



A. C. SPALDING & BROS. 

Chicago Philadelphia 

Baltimore Buffalo 

Minneapolis Denver 

London, England 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



The Spalding Patent 
Solid Striking Bag Disks 



Patent Pending 




DOORWAY STYLE- 



Similar to No. BR, except the inflated feature. 
No. DR. Complete, without bag. . . Each, $7.50 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING <&, BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia 

St. Louis Boston Buffalo 

Denver Minneapolis Kansas City 

London, England 



San Francisco 
Baltimore 
Montreal, Can. 



The Spalding Patent 
Solid Stril<:ing Bag Disks 



Patent Pending 




yHE solid disk for 
1 striking bags will 
always hold a high place 
in the estimation of 
many on account of the 
variety of work it per- 
mits. _ The style which 
we originally introduced 
some years ago is the 
one which has been imi- 
tated most generally, 
but in all these substi- 
tutes the makers, while 
making them lighter, 
have uniformly ne- 
glected the most essen- 
ti:il point and have 
produced a n article 
flimsy and unsatisfac- 
tory to a degree. 

A striking bag disk 
must be substantial if it 
is to be of use, and in 
the various styles, both 
adjustable and braced, 
this feature has not been 
neglected, while we have 
striven to put out a disk 
which is suitable for 
home use and moderate 
in price. 



ADJUSTABLE STYLE 

Similar to No. AR, except the inflated feature. 
No. CR. Complete, without bag. . . Each, $7.50 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia San Francisco 

Boston Baltimore Buffalo Kansas City 

St. Louis Minneapolis Denver Montreal, Can. 

London, England 



The Spalding Patent 
Solid Striking Bag Disks 



Patent Pending 




WALL BRACED STYLE 



Similar to No. ER, except the inflated feature 



No. FR. Complete, without bag. 



Each. $5.00 



A. G. SPALDING Sl BROS. 



New York 


Chicago Philadelphia 


Boston 


Baltimore Buffalo 


St. Louis 


Minneapolis Denver 




London, England 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can 



The Moline Platform 




RAG Punching 
^^ is really a fas- 
cinating diversion 
capable of somany 
combinations that 
it_ is interesting 
alike to the young 
boy and the sea- 
soned athlete. 
When its health- 
ful advantages are 
consideredit is re- 
markable that 
there are not more 
bags in use, espe- 
cially where there 
are boys and girls 
who would not 
otherwise take 
sufficient exercise 
to keep them in 
good physical 
condition. 



Our Moline Platform is adjustable in height, readily attached to any wall, and 
the side brackets so arranged that it touches three rows of studding. Neat in 
design and handsomely finished, it in no way detracts from the appearance of 
the room, does not obstruct the light, and overcomes many other objectionable 
features of the old style disk usually costing double the price. Each platform 
is supplied with everything necessary for attaching to wall, and crated ready 
for shipment. 

No. 1. Moline Platform, $10.00 

Bag is )iot included in above price. 



Handsomely Illustrated Catalogue 
Mailed Free to any Address 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 



New York 
St. Louis 
Denver 



Chicago 
Boston 
Minneapoli 



T.ondoi 



Philadelphia 
Buffalo 
Kansas City 
England 



San Francisco 
Baltimore 
Montreal, Can. 



THE SPALDING "AERIAL" 
STRIKING BAG PLATFORM 




THE Spalding "Aerial" Platform which we are introducing for the first 
time this season, combines in itself practically all that is desired in an 
article of this kind, and the price is so low that it is within reach of all. Vibra- 
tion and noise are really eliminated in this as far as it is physically possible and 
with the Spalding Aerial there is only the sound of the bag as it meets the ring, 
and all the vibration is taken up by the supporting ropes. This Platform can 
be approached from any side, something that is not possible with the ordinary 
style and when the ropes are secured at end of cross pieces it is as rigid as any 
of the ordinary gymnasium disks supported by steel guys. 

The 5palding " Aerial " Striking Bag Platform complete 



$5.00 



Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



Chicago 

Baltimore 

Minneapolis 



Philadelphia 

Buffalo 

Denver 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



London, England 




THE PORTABLE 




STRIKING BAG fg 

mi 




THE 



PORTABLE STRIKING BAG 



The Portable Striking Bag appeals particularly to the every-day man 
who wants |ust sufficient exercise to keep in good condition, and can only 
devote to it a few minutes in the morning or evening. All the movements are 
from the floor, imitating exactly the uncertainty of an actual opponent, the 
exercise quickening the eye and limbering up the musfles of the body. Can 
be put away in a corner of the room in a moment when through with, is 
always ready for use. and requires no special attachments 



No. 1 Bae. Height, 5 feet 2 inches; furnished w^th leather or canvas cover, as 
ordered (canvas is recommended on account of tiie lightness). It has a quick 
return when struck, and is very durable Weight, 75 lbs. . Price, $10.00 
With leather bag, Extra, 50c. 

No. 2 Bag, Adjustable as to height, from 4 feet g inches to 5 feet 3 inches. This 
bag is very strong and is used principally in gymnasiums. The parts are 
nickeled and present a handsome appearance. Each bag furnished with strong 
spiral spring, drop forged clamps, adjustable tube made of seamless cold drawn 
bieel. and excellent quality red leather bag Weight. 84 lbs Price. $15.00 




No. 3 Bag. For 
women. Similar to 
No. I, but made 
lighter. Canvas 
bag ; height, 4 feet 
8 inches. Weight, 
io lbs. Price. $8.00 

With leather bag so 
cents extra. 



No. S Bag. This bag is adjustable in 
height. from 4 feet 4 Inches to 5 feet 2 
inches, it has a polished oak base,' a 
spiral spring like the others, and is 
furnished with canvas bag. Can be 
packed in small parcel and shipped by 
express. Weight, 50 lbs. Price, $8.00 
With leather baff, so cents extra. 




No. 4 Bag. For chil- 
dren. Similar to No. 3; 
height, 4 feet- Weight, 
49 lbs. Price, $8.00 



With leather bag, 
cents extra. 




All the bags are made of best material in 
a first-class manner and will stand the 
proper strain and usage to which strik- 
ing bags should be put. 



Parts for any of the bags can be furnished 
promptly; list on application. 



NEW YORK 



CHICAOO 
ST L0U15 
BOSTON PMILAOELPMIA 

MIMNEAPOLIS 



MANUFACTURED BY 



A. 0. SPALDING & BROS. 



KANSAS CITY BALTmORB 

SAN FRANCI5CO 

BUFFALO MONTRBAL 

LONDON, ENQLANO 



THE SPALDING PATENT STRIKING BAG 

This bag will swing true because it 
is built that way. It cannot make a 
false move, no matter how hard it is 
hit. No loop to interfere with rope, 
and the most certain in its action of 
any on the market. It is made with 
a lace running around the neck, like 
a draw-string. Inflate the bladder, 
drop the wooden ball into the open- 
ing at the top and pull the lace tight; 
then regulate the length of the rope 
and fit bag to your platform. The 
idea has met with such general 
approval that we are now making 
our entire line on the same principle. 

No. 19. Made of highest quality 
Patna kid, the lightest and strong- 
est of leather. Sewed with silk, 
double stitched and reinforced 
throughout. Especially suitable 
for exhibition work, and the 
fastest bag made. . Each, $7.00 
No. 18. Made of finest selected Napa tanned leather, extra well 
made; double stitched, welted seams and reinforced throughout. 
For training purposes particularly this bag will be found ex- 
tremely satisfactory in every respect. The ♦♦ Fitzsimmons 
Special." ..... Each, $5.00 

No. 18S. Same as No. i8, but smaller in size and lighter. In- 
tended for very speedy work. . . Each, $5.00 

Each bag is most carefully inspected and then packed complete in box with 
bladder, lace, wooden ball and rope. 

EXTRA BLADDERS— Guaranteed 

No. OS. Pure gum bladder for Nos. i8 and 19 bags. Each, $1.00 
No. OSX. Pure gum bladder for No. 18S bag. . " 1.00 




Illustrating Ball-and-Lace 
Fastening 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia San Francisco 

St. Louis Boston Buffalo Baltimore 

Denve) Minneapolis Kansas City Montreal, Can. 

London, England 




The Spalding 

^-^^— PATENTED ^^-^^ 

Double End Bag 

Made of finest selected Napa tan leather, and 
workmanship of same quality as in our "Fitz- 
simmons Special" Bag. Double stitched, welted 
seams, best quality Para rubber bladder. An ex- 
tremely durable and lively bag. Complete in 

box anu carefully inspected before packing. 

No. 7. Comp'ete in box. . . Each, $5.00 

No. 6. Extra fine olive tanned leather cover, 

double stitched, welted seams Extra well 

made throughout. . Complete, $4 00 

No. 5. Regulation size, specially tanned glove 

leather cover, welted seams, double stitched 

and substantially made, . Complete, $3.50 

No. 414. Regulation size, fine maroon tanned 

leather and welted seams. Well finished 

throughout. . . . Complete, $3.00 

No. 4. Regulation size, fine grain leather 

cover and well made throughout, double 

stitched Complete, $2.50 

No. 3 Regulation size, substantial red leather 
cover, reinforced and welted seams. $2.00 

No. 2%. Medium size, good quality, dark olive 
tanned leather, well put together, and welted 
seams. .... Complete, $1.50 

No. 2. Medium size, good light russet tanned 
leather, substantially made, double 

stitched Complete, $1.00 

Each bag complete in box, with bladder, rubber 
cord for floor, wooden b^ll and rope for ceiling 
attach'nent. 
EXTRA BLADDER- 
No. B. Bladder for Nos. 2, S'a and 3. 50c. 

No. 25. Bladder for Nos. 4,4 J^,.5_and 6. 50c. 
Above bladders are carefully inspected and 
tested before packing, but otherwise not guaran- 
teed in any way. 
No. OS. Bladder for No. 7, pure gum and fully 
guaranteed. . . . Each, $1.00 

No. D. Elastic floor alrachment for all styles 
double end bags, best quality cord. Each , 50c. 



A. C. SPALDING Sc BROS. 



Philadelphia 

Buffalo 

Denver 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



London, England 



STRIKING BAG MITTS 




No. 1. ]Made of tanned kid and extra well padded. Will pro- 
tect the hands, and recommended for use with all striking 
bags Pair, $1.75 

No 2. Made of soft tanned leather, properly shaped and padded, 
substantially put together. . . . • . . Pair, $1.25 

No. 3. Made of soft tanned leather, padded and well made. 50c. 

No. 4. Knuckle mitt, well padded. , . . Pair, 50c. 

No. 5. Knuckle mitt, well padded. . . . " 25c. 

BRASS INFLATERS 




No. 2. Club size, cylinder lo inches. 
No. 3. Pocket size, cylinder 5 1-2 inches. 



Eacli, 50c. 
" 25c. 



Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address 



A. G. SPALDING Sl BROS. 

Chicago Philade'phia 

Baltimore IJuffalo 

Minneapolis Denver 

London, England. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 





A. G. Spalding & Bros. 

Gentlemen — I wish to thank 
you for the perfect shoes and 
boxing gloves that you furnished 
me for my fight with Mr. Fitz- 
simmons, and also to give you 
my endorsement for the suoerb 
quality of these goods. I shall 
expect to use them in all my 
future contests. 

Yours very truly, 



K^M^m^'.^mfrm^^^^f-'^'^'^'"'' 



^•^'-^ 



( Handsomely Illustrated Catalogue of Athletic 

Goods Mailed Free to any Address. 



< *^«^»^»jr*#«jr*j<*^* ■»* 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

NE\? YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO 



BALTIMORE 




A. G. Spalding & Bros. 



Rose Villa, Hensonhurst, N. Y., Feb. 15, 1902. 



Gentlemen — You no doubt have seen by the Associated Pre s dispatches 
that I am matched with James J. Jeffries to contest for the championship of 
the world during the mouth of May, next. I am going to make an earnest 
effort to win back the championship, and want to be in fine fettle when I 
enter the ring. I have always used your gloves in every important battle, 
and as I can find nothing that can compare with the Spalding gloves and 
striking bags you make, I want you to forward at once a set of (.5) ounce 
" Specials," and a set of the ten-ounce training gloves. 

I am going to have Gus Ruhlin- assist me in training, and when I get well 
under way, will forward an additional order, so that I may not be handicapped 
for want of apparatus. 

Kindly forward bill, and I will send a New York draft to balance account. 
With regards, 

Yours very truly. 



d-^J*^ 



A. G^ SPALDING & BROS, 

NEW YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO BALTIMORE 



BOXING GLOVES 




Cut illustrates the patent palm lacing and patent palm grip referred 
to in descriptions of following boxing gloves. With these improve- 
ments we believe our line is absolutely the finest on the market. 
The patent palm lacing insuring a snug fit at all times is a very valu- 
able feature, and the patent palm grip we know will be appreciated 
by those who want gloves that are up-to-date in every particular. 
No. 11. Corbett pattern, large 7 oz. glove, gambia tan leather, 
padded with best curled hair, patent palm lacing, padded 
wri.stband, patent palm grip. Substantially made throughout 

for hard usage Per set. $4.50 

No. 9. Regulation 5 oz. glove, otherwise same as No. 11. 4.50 
No. 13. Corbett pattern, olive tanned leather, well padded with 
hair, patent palm lacing and patent palm grip. Per set, $4.00 
No. 14. Regulation 5 oz. glove, dark wine color, padded wrist- 
band, patent palm lacing and palm grip. . Per set, $3.25 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



A. C. SPALDING Sc BROS. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



Chicago 

Baltimore 

Minneapolis 



Philadelphia 

Buffalo 

Denver 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



London, England 




Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Bros. 

Gentlemkn : Received the express package containing set of 
five-ounce Contest Gloves and the hand-sewed striking bag. To 
make a long story short, will say that they are simply perfect. 
The gloves are made of the nicest material I have ever used in 
my long career, and I am satisfied that the oil-tanned leather will 
be a great improvement, and that the inter-lining will add greatly 
to the durability and strength of the gloves 

I will most certainly use them in all my contests, for it is 
almost an impossibility to hurt one's hands when encased in a 
glove made on these lines. 

The bag is a marvel for speed and answers all the requirements, 
being light, perfectly shaped and durable. 

I heartily recommend both articles as the best of the kind I 
have ever used. 

Very truly yours, 

Middle-weight Champion of the World. 



A. G. SPALDING 

NEW YORK CHICAGO 

BUFFALO 



& BROS. 

DENVER 
BALTIMORE 



BOXING GLOVES 




Cut illustrates the pat^Tt palm lacing and patent palm grip referred 
to in descriptions of following boxing gloves. With these improve- 
ments we believe our line is absolutely the finest on the market. 
The patent palm lacing insuring a snug fit at all times is a ver\ valu- 
able feature, and the patent pa m grip we know will be appreciated 
by those who want gloves that are up-to-date in every particular. 

No. 15. Corbett pattern, soft tanned leather, well padded with 
hair, padded wristband, patent palm lacing and patent palm 
grip Per set, $3.00 

No. 17. Corbett pattern, craven tan leather, well padded with 
hair, patent palm lacing, patent palm grip and padded wrist- 
band, Per set, $3.00 

No. 19. Corbett pattern, craven tan leather, well padded with 
hair, patent palm grip and patent palm lacing. Per set, $2.50 

No 21. Corbett pattern, grip and cufifs of olive tanned leather, 
balance of glove finished in dark wine color tanned leather. 
Well padded with hair and patent palm lacing. Per set, $2.00 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis- 



A. C. SPALDING Sc BROS. 



Chicago 






Philadelph 


a 


Baltimore 






Buffalo 




Minneapol 


s 




. Denver 






London 


England 





San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 




Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Bros. 

Gentlemen — After a careful trial, taking everything into consideration, I 
have no hesitancy in saying that the five-ounce Contest Gloves, made by 
you, are the best I have ever seen or used. I showed them to Mike Donovan 
of the New York Athletic Club, and Bob Armstrong, and they, too, pro- 
nounce them great. The idea of their being leather lined, and the new 
thumb, are a big advantage, as it enables one to hit without endangering 
his hands, and especially one who hits as hard as I do, is far less liable to 
hurt his hands, when properly fitted with gloves. 

The striking bag is what the " doctor ordered," and you cannot improve 
on it. It is fast, durable and perfect in every way and you are to be con- 
gratulated on perfecting the articles in question. 

Wishing you success, I remain, 

Very truly yours. 



d£^'-yr^^J^Ji^<'^^^A(^ 



A. a SPALDING & BROS- 

NEW YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO BALTIMORE 



BOXING GLOVES 



REGULAR PATTERN 

No. 23. Regular pattern, outer 
handpiece of olive tanned 
leather, grip and cuffs of 
darker shade, hair padded and 
patent palm lacing. Set, $1 50 

No. 24. Regular pattern, outer 
handpiece of dark wine color 
tanned leather, grip and cuffs 
of darker shade; hair padded, 
elastic wristband. Set, $i.CO 




MINIATURE BOXING GLOVES 

Well made and leather of good 
quality. 1 he B and C styles will 
fit the hand of a small child. 
They are copies of our regular 
Corbett style men's gloves, are 
nicely padded and have laced 
wristband. 

No. C. Large size, laced. 
No. B. Medium size, laced 
No. A. Small size, plain. 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 

A. C. SPALDING &, BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia San Francisco 

Boston Baltimore Buffalo Kansas City 

St. Louis Minneapolis Denver Montreal, Can. 

London, England 




A. G. Spalding & Bros. 

Gentlemen — I have carefully 
inspected the glove you are man- 
ufacturing, called the "Spalding 
Special" Contest Glove, and after 
a thorough examination must con- 
fess it is by far the most com- 
fortable glove I have ever had on 
my hand. It possesses all the 
requirements and I am fully satis- 
fied it will gain universal recog- 
nition and will be adopted by all 
the promoters throughout the 
country. The idea of being 
made of special kid leather, and 
also being lined with a special 
tanned perspiration proof leather, 
makes it doubly strong, for it 
can stand any amount of rough 
usage without becoming unfit for 
use, as in most instances, after a 
glove becomes wet with perspir- 
ation, it stretches and gets out of 
shape and is utterly worthless. 
I gave the glove a thorough 
trial and am confident you have 
hit the nail on the head, and have no hesitancy in recommending the 
article in question to ^.— v 

those who are inter. ^/.^^^r (C-^^^^^^ - 




Copyright, IQOI, by J. Hall, 
14^6 Broad^vay^ New York. 



ested. 

Yours very 



teatheriveigJit Chai 
pion 0/ tke iVorld. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS, 

NEW YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO BALTIMORE 



YOUTHS' GLOVES 






J\ 




ALL 


ii^m^pt 




STYLES, 


I PkI^ 


%. 


PADDED 


1 HiB 


1^^ 


WITH 
HAIR 


^ 


^1 




^ 




No. 25. Regu'ar 


Pattern. 



No. 45. Youths' Championship Glove, Corbett pattern, fine quality 

olive tanned leather, extra vi^ell finished and double stitched. 

Patent palni lacing and patent palm grip. . Per set, $2.50 
No. 35. Youths' size, Corbett pattern, soft craven tan leather, •veil 

padded, patent palm lacing and patent palm grip. Per set, $2.00 
No. 30. Youths' size, Corbett pattern, soft tanned leather, patent 

palm lacing. Per set, $1.75 

No. 25. Youths' size, regular pattern, soft tanned leather, patent 

palm lacing. Per set, $1.25 

No. 26. Youths' size, regular pattern, dark tanned leather, elastic 

wristband . Per set, $1.00 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 



A. C. SPALDING & BROS. 



New York 


Chicago Philadelp 


hia 


Boston 


Baltimore Buffalo 




St. Louis 


Minneapolis Denver 
London, England 





San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



The Amateur Athletic 
Union of the United States 
is the body that governs 
amateur boxing in Amer- 
ica, and each year holds a 
tournament to decide the 
different championships. 

It is always the desire 
of the committee to select 
the best gloves possible 
for such contests, and it 
is particularly gratifying 
to state' that Spalding's 
Championship Gloves 
have been selected as the 
official championship 
gloves, and have been 
used by the Amateur Ath- 
letic Union in all contests 
held by it since its organ- 
ization in 1888. 




A. A 



EMERY PAINE, 

U. Champion Heavyweight, 



Spalding's Handsomely Illustrated Catalogue of 
Athletic Sports Mailed Free to any Address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS, 

CHICAGO 



NEW YORK 

BUFFALO 



DENVER 
BALTIMORE 



=THE= 



SPALDING CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING GLOVES 




The Spalding "Championship Gloves" are endorsed by all 
champions and have been exclusively used for years in cham- 
pionship contests and in training. The material and workman- 
ship are of highest quality, the fit is perfect, and by_ their 
peculiar construction, absolutely prevent any chance of injury 
to the hands or wrists. Each set is carefully inspected before 
packing, and guaranteed in every particular. Made in three 
sizes, in sets of four gloves. 

No. as. The Spalding "Championship" Glove, 5 oz. Per set, $6.00 
No 116. The Spalding "Championship" Glove, 6 oz. " 

No. 118. The Spalding "Championship" Glove, 8 oz. 



600 
6 00 



THE SPALDING ** SPECIAL*' No. 218 

Same style as our Championship Gloves, but not quite so high a 

quality in material or workmanship. 
No. 218. The Spalding "Special" Glov . . Per s t, $4 00 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to anv address. 



A. C. SPALDING & BROS. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



Chicago 

Baltimore 

Minneapolis 



Philadelphia 

Huffalo 

Denver 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



London, England 




Knee Tights 

Best Worsted, full fashioned, stock 

colors. 

No. iB. Per pair, $2.75 

Cut Worsted, full fashioned, Navy, 

Black and Maroon. 

No. 604. Per pair, $1.23 

Sanitary Cotton, White, Navy, Black 

Maroon. 

No. 4B. Per pair, 50c. 



Running Pants 

White or Black Sateen, fly front, 

lace back. 

No. I. Per pair, $1.25 

White or Black Sateen, lace back, 

fly front. 

No. 2. Per pair, $1.00 

White or Black Sateen, fly front, 

lace back. 

No. 3. Per pair, 75c. 

White or Black Silesia, fly front, 

lace back. 

No. 4. Per pair, 50c. 

Spalding's Illustrated Catalogue sent free on appl. cation. 




A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

NEW YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO BALTIMORE 



Full Length Tights and Trousers 

Best Worsted 

Full Tights, full fashioned, stock 
colors. 
No. I A. Per pair, $3.75 
Cut Worsted 
Full Tights, lull fiishioned, Navy, 




Black, Maroon. 

No. 605. Per pair, $2.00 

Cotton 

Full Tights, full quality Cotton, 

White, Black and Flesh. 

No. 3A. Per pair, $1.00 

Worsted Trunks 

Best Worsted, Black, Maroon, Navy 

and White. 

No. I. $2.00 

Cut Worsted, Navy and Black. 

No. 2. $1.00 

Special colors to order. 

Send for Spalding's Illustrated Catalogue, mailed free. 




A, G. SPALDING & BROS. 

NEW YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO BALTIMORE 



Quarter Sleeve Shirts 




Cut Worsted, Navy, Black, 
Maroon. 

No. 60I. Each, ^i.25 



Sanitary Cotton. White, Navy, 
Black, Maroon. 

No. 6F. Each, 50c. 



Sleeveless Shirts 



Cut Worsted. Navy, Black, 
Maroon. 

No. 600. Each, $1.25 

Sanitary Cotton. White, Navy, 
Black, Maroon. 

No. 6E. Each, 50c. 

Sleeveless Shirts. Same colors as 
Jerseys. 

No. I2ES. Each, $l.50 




A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 



"New York 
St. Louis 
Denver 



Chicago Philadelphia 

Boston Buffalo 

Minneapolis Kansas City 

London, England 



San Francisco 
Baltimore 
Montreal, Can. 



The Spalding 

Highest 

Quality 

Sweaters 




price being due entirely to 



Made of the very finest Austral- 
ian lamb's wool, and exceedingly 
soft and pleasant to wear. They 
are full fashioned to body and 
arms and without seams of any 
kind. The various grades in our 
"Highest Quality" Sweaters are 
identical in quality and finish, the difference 

variations in weight. 
We call special attention to the "Intercollegiate" grade which was originally 
made by special order for the Yale foot ball eleven and are now exclusively used 
by all Intercollesriate players. They are considerably heavier than the heaviest 
sweater ever knitted and cannot be furnished by any other maker, as we have 
exclusive control of this special weight. 

No. A. ** Intercollegiate," Special Weight. $6.00 

No. B. Heavy Weight 5.00 

No. C. Standard Weight 4.00 

Colors: White, Navy Blue, Black, Gray, Maroon and 

Cardinal. Other colors to order at an advanced price. 

Prices on application. All made with 10-inch collars; 

sizes, 28 to 44. 



Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address in the United 
States or Canada. Write for one. 



A. G. SPALDING Sl BROS. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



Chicago 

Baltimore 

Minneapol: 



London, 



Philadelphia 
Buffalo 
Denver 
England 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



Spalding's 



New and Improved Jerseys 

We carry following 
sizes in stock: 28 to 
42-inch chest. Other 
sizes at an advanced 
price. 

Our No. loP line is 
manufactured from 
hard twisted worsted 
and closely woven ; of 
a good quality. Made 
to stand the severest 
strain; an tibsolutely 
perfect basket ball 
jersey. 

No. I OP. Solid colors. Black,Navy Blue and Maroon 
carried in stock; other plain colors to order. $2.50 

No. i2P. In same colors as above. Each, $2.00 

No. lOPX. Same grade, solid color bodies with al- 
ternate striped sleeves — usually two inches of same 
color as the body, with narrow stripe of any de- 
sired color. Very popular with sleeveless 
jackets Each, $2.75 

Handsomely illustrated catalogue mailed free to any address. 

A. G. SPALDING Sl BROS. 

New York Chicago Philadelphia San Francisco 

St. Louis Boston Buffalo Baltimore 

Denver Minneapolis Kansas City Montreal, Can. 

London, England 





BOXING SHOES 



Handsomely 



or selected leather, 
with rubber sole. 
The suction caused 
by the peculiar con- 
struction of the sole 
enables the wearer 
to obtain a good 
purchase on the 
floor, a feature that 
should make this 
shoe very popular. 

Per pair. «P^»Ull 

High cut, bestgrade 
white canvas shoe, 
rubber sole. 
No. IH... (IJI CA 

Per pair, tPl.Ov 

High cut canvas 

shoe, with rubber 

sole. 

Per nair tpl«UU 
No. IH. ^^^ P^^^' ^ 

lustrated Catalogue of all Sports Mailed Free to any Address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 

NEW YORK CHICAGO DENVER 

BUFFALO BALTIMORE 



Spalding's 

Running 

Shoes 



Arthur F. Duffey 

Holder of the world's record, 
93-5s. for 100 yards, wears 
Spalding Shoes in all his races. 

M. W. Long 

Holder of the world's 440 yards 
record; the American, English 
and International champion, 
wears Spalding Shoes in all his 
races. 

B. J. Wefers 

Holder of the world's record for 
220 yards, made his record with 
a pail of Spalding Shoes. 

John F. Cregan 

The American half-mile and 
Intercollegiate champion, and 
thousands of others attribute 
their success on the path to the 
fact that they had a well-fitting, 
light, serviceable shoe to wear. 

Nearly every American, Inter- 
collegiate and Interscholastic 
record has been made when the 
contestant wore Spalding Shoes. 



Spalding's handsomely illustrated catalogue of athletic goods 
mailed free to any address 




New York 
St. Louis 
Denver 



A. G. SPALDING Sl BROS. 



Chicago 

Boston 

Minneapolis 



Philadelphia 
Buffalo 
Kansas City 
London, England 



San Francisco 
Baltimore 
Montreal, Can. 




l-^^ 




5PALDING'5 

Spring ^ 

SuMMER^ Sports 



.-^ 




pjOCp A copy of the above catalogue, containing 112 pages of pictures 
*^ tV *-<■-' and prices of everything used in athletic sports, will be mailed free 
on request to any address by A. G. SPALDING & BROS., from their stores 

in any of the following cities: 
New York Chicago Philadelphia San Francisco 

Boston Baltimore Buffalo Kansas City 

St. Louis Minneapolis Denver Montreal, Can. 

London, England 




^HE Spalding League Ball has been the Official Ball of the 

Vi^ National League for over a quarter of a century, and must be 

used in all games. It is also used exclusively by all the leading 

colleges and athletic clubs. 

When buying athletic goods always insist upon seeing the Spalding trade-mark 
and do not be persuaded to accept something oifered as "just as good." 

Handsomely illiisif-ated catalogue mailed Jree to atty address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS. 



New York 
Boston 
St. Louis 



Chicago 

Baltimore 

Minneapolis 



Philadelphia 

Buffalo 

Denver 



San Francisco 
Kansas City 
Montreal, Can. 



London, England 




LIBRARY « 



No. 12. Association Foot Ball. 



Contains valuable information, diagram of play, and rules, 
lo cents. 



Price 



No. 13. How to Play Hand Ball. 

By the world's champion, Michael Egan, of Jersey 
City. This book has been rewritten and brought up 
to date in every particular. Every move is thoroughly 
explained. The numerous illustrations consist of full 
pages made from photographs of Champion Egan, 
showing him in all his characteristic attitudes when 
playing. These pictures were made exclusively for 
this book and cannot be found in any other publica- 
tion. This is undoubtedly the best work on hand ball ever published. 
Price lo cents. 




No. 14. Curling. 

Rules, regulations and diagrams of play. Price lo cents. 



No. 16. How to Become a Skater. 

By Geo, D. Phillips, for years the American cham- 
pion. Contains chapter for boys and advice for 
beginners ; how to become a figure skater thoroughly 
explained, with many diagrams showing how to do 
all the different tricks of the best figure skaters, 
including the Mohawk, with all its variations ; Q's, 
forward and backward, inside and outside ; the cross- 
cuts, including the difficult Swedish style ; inside and outside spins ; 
the grapevine, with its numerous branches, and many other styles, 
which will be comparatively simple to any one who follows the direc- 
tions given. Price lo cents. 




No. 23. Canoeing. 

By C. Bowyer Vaux. Paddling, sailing, cruising and racing canoes 
and their uses. Price lo cents. 



ATHLETIC 





No. 27. College Athletics. 

M. C. Murphy, the well-known athletic 
trainer, now with Yale University, the author 
of this book, has written it especially for the 
schoolboy and college man, but it is invaluable 
for the athlete who wishes to excel in any branch 
of athletic sport. Price lo cents. 

No. 29. Exercising With Pulley Weights. 

By Dr. Henry S. Anderson, In conjunction 
with a chest machine anyone with this book can 
become perfectly developed. Contains all the 
various movements necessary to become proficient 
and of well-developed physique. Thoroughly 
explained and illustrated with numerous drawings. 
Price lo cents. 






No. 39. Lawn Bowls. 

The ancient game, which has achieved 
considerable popularity in America, is fully 
described by Henry Chadwick. Contains 
an account of the introduction of the game 
in America and the ofificial rules as promul- 
gated by the Scottish Bowling Association. 
Price lo cents. 



No. 40. Archery. 

By J. S. Mitchel. An introductory chapter on 
the use of the bow and arrow ; archery of the 
present day ; the bow and how to use it, with 
practical illustrations on the right and wrong 
method of aiming. Price lO cents. 



No. 55. Official Sporting Rules. 

Contains rules for the government of many sports not found in 
other publications ; wrestling, cross-country running, shuffleboard, 
skating, snowshoeing, quoits, potato racing, professional racing, 
racquets, pigeon flying, dog racing, pistol and revolver shooting. 
Price lo cents. 





ATHLETIC 





No. 66. Technical Terms of Base 
Ball. 
Compiled by Henry Chadwick, the 
•♦Father of Base Ball." It is one of 
the most useful and instructive works 
ever issued by the veteran writer. It is 
valuable not only to the novice but also 
to the expert. Price lo cents. 




No. 87. The Athletic Primer. 

Edited by J. E. Sullivan, Secretary-Treasurer 
of the Amateur Athletic Union ; tells how to or- 
ganize an athletic club, how to conduct an athletic 
meeting, and gives rules for the government of 
athletic meetings ; contents also include a very 
instructive article on training ; fully illustrated. 
Price lo cents. 



No. 102. Ground Tumbling. 

By Prof. Henry Walter Worth, who was for years physical director 
of the Armour Institute of Technology. Any boy, by reading this 
book and following the instructions, which are drawn from life, can 
become a proficient tumbler. Price lo cents. 



No. 104. The Grading of Gymnastic Exercises. 

By G. M. Martin, Physical Director of the Y. M. C. A. of Youngs- 
town, Ohio. It is a book that should be in the hands of every 
physical director of ',he Y. M. C. A., school, club, college, etc. It 
is ihe official standard Dublication and should be used by them. 
Price lo cents. 

No. 124. How to Become a Gymnast. 

By Robert Stoll, of the New York A. C, the 
American champion on the flying rings from 1885 
to 1892. Any boy who frequents a gymnasium 
or who has a horizontal bar or parallel bars at his 
command, can easily follow the illustrations and 
instructions in this book and with a little practice 
become proficient. Price 10 cents. 




ATHLETIC 



Ice Hockey and 





ofificial rules. 
cents. 



Written by the most famous player in Canada, 
A. Farrell, of the Shamrock hockey team of Mon- 
treal. It is well worth perusal by any player of 
the game. It contains a complete description of 
the game of hockey, its origin, points of a good 
player, and a complete and instruclive article on 
how the game is played, with diagrams and the 
ustrated with pictures of leading teams. Price lo 



fslo. 128. How to Row. 

By E. J. Giannini, of the New York A. C, and one 
of America's most famous amateur oarsmen and cham- 
pions. This book will instruct anyone who is a lover 
of rowing how to become an expert. It is fully illus- 
trated, showing how to hold the oars, the finish of the 
stroke and other information that will prove valuable to 
he beginner. Price lo cents. 





No. 129. Water Polo. 

By Gus Sundstrom, instructor at the New York A. C. 

g It treats of every detail, the individual work of the play- 

?♦' ers, the practice of the team, how to throw the ball, M'ith 

many illustrations and valuable hints. Price lo cents. 



No. 135. Official Handbook of the A.A.U. of the United States. 

The A. A. U. is the governing body of ath- 
letes in the United States of America, and ail 
games must be held under its rules, which are 
exclusively published in this handbook, and a 
copy should be in the hands of every athlete 
and every club officer in America. This book 
contains the official rules for running, jump- 
ing, weight throwing, hurdling, pole vaulting, 
swimming, boxing, wrestling, etc., and is an 
encyclopaedia in itself. Price lo cents 




No. 136. Official Y. M. C. A. Handbook. 




Edited by G. T. Ilepbron, the well-known athletic 
authority. It contains the official rules governing all 
sports under the jurisdiction of the Y. M. C. A , a 
complete report of the physical directors' conference, 
official Y. M. C. A. scoring tables, pentathlon rules, 
many pictures of the leading Y. M. C. A. athletes of 
the country, and official Y. M. C. A. athletic rules. 
Price lo cents. 



No. 138. Official Croquet Guide. 

Contains the official rules of the game, directions for playing and 
diagrams of important strokes. Price lo cents. 

No. 140. Wrestling. 

Catch as catch can style. By E. H. Hitchcock, M. D., and R. F. 
Nelligan, of Amherst College. The book contains illustrations of 
the different holds, photographed especially so that anybody who de- 
sires to become expert in wrestling can with little effort learn every 
one. Price lo cents. - 



No. 142. Physical Training Simplified. 

By Prof. E. B. Warman, the well-known physical culture expert, is 
a complete, thorough and practical book where the whole man is 
considered — brain and body. By following the instructions no appa- 
ratus is required to make the perfect body. The book is adapted for 
both sexes. Fully illustrated. Price lo cents. 

No. 143. Indian Clubs and Dumb-Bells. 

Two of the most popular forms of home or gym- 
nasium exercise. This book is written by America's 
amateur champion club swinger, J. H. Dougherty. 
It is clearly illustrated, by which any novice can be- 
come an expert. Price lo cents. 

No. 149. The Care of the Body. 

A book that all who value health should read and follow its instruc- 
tions. By Prof. E. B. Warman. Price lo cents. 





ATHLETIC1^«LIBRARY 





No. 152. Table Tennis. 

The contents include the official rules and illustrations of the 
various strokes, posed by experts. Price lo cents. 

No. 154. Field Hockey. 

To those in need of vigorous and health- 
ful out-of-doors exercise, this game is 
recommended highly. Its healthful attri- 
butes are manifold and the interest of 
player and spectator alike is kept active 
throughout the progress of the game. 
Can be played by either sex and occupies a 

prominent place in the sports at Vassar, Smith, Wellesley, Bryn 

Mawr and other leading colleges. Price lo cents. 

No. 156. The Athlete's Guide. 

How to become an athlete. It contains full in- 
structions for the beginner, telling how^ to sprint, 
hurdle, jump and throw weights, general hints on 
training; in fact, this book is one of the most com- 
plete on the subject that has ever appeared. Special 
chapters contain valuable advice to beginners, an(f 
important A. A. U. rules and their explanations, 
while the pictures comprise many exclusive scenes 
champions in action. Price lo cents. 

No. 157. How to Play Lawn Tennis. 

A complete description of lawn tennis is 
found in this book; a history of the game; 
a lesson for beginners and directions telling" 
how to make every important stroke; how 
to lay out a tennis court; illustrated from 
photographs of leading players in action. 
Price ID cents. 

No. 158. Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games. 

Without question one of the best bocks of its kind ever published. 
Compiled by Prof. A. M. Chesley, the well-known Y. M. C. A. phy- 
sical director. It is a book that will prove valuable to indoor and 
outdoor gymnasiums, schools, outings and gatherings where there are 
a number to be amused- The book contains over lOO games. Price 
lo cents. 




showing 





No. 161. Ten Minutes' Exercise for Busy Men. 

By Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick, superintendent of phy- 
sical training in the New York public schools. Anyone 
who is looking for a concise and complete course of 
physical education at home would do well to procure a 
copy of this book. There will be no necessity for any- 
one to apply for advice in order to become healthy and 
athletic. Ten minutes' work as directed is exercise any- 
one can follow. It already has had a large sale and has 

been highly commended by all who have followed its instructions. 

Price lo cents. 

No. 162. How to Become a Boxer. 

For many years books have been issued on the 
art of boxing, but it has remained for us to ar- 
range a book that we think is sure to fill all de- 
mands. It contains over 70 pages of illustrations 
showing all the latest blows, posed especially for 
this book under the supervision of one of the best 
instructors of boxing in the United States, who 
makes a specialty of teaching and who knows how 
to impart his knowledge. They are so arranged that any two boys 
can easily become proficient boxers. The book also contains photo- 
graphs of all the leading American boxers, and official rules. No 
boy should neglect to possess this book. Price 10 cents. 

No. 165. The Art of Fencing. 

Full instructions are given, with illustra- 
tions, for becoming proficient with the foils. 
Any boy can learn to become expert by 
carefully studying this book. Price 10 
cents. 



No. 166. How to Swing Indian Clubs. 

By Prof. E. B. Warman, the well-known exponent of 
physical culture. The most complete work on this 
special subject ever issued. By following the diagrams 
carefully anyone can become an expert club swinger in a 
short time, as the diagrams are very plainly and intelli- 
gently drawn. Price 10 cents. 






No. 167. Quoits. 

By M. W. Deshong. The need of a book 
on this interesting game has been felt by many 
who wished to know the fine points and tricks 
used by the experts. Mr. Deshong explains 
them, with illustrations, so that "a novice can 
readily understand. Price lo cents. 

No. 170. Push Ball. 

Played with an air-inflated ball 6 feet in 
diameter, weighing about 50 pounds. A side 
consists of eleven men. The game has met 
with instant favor, and now no school or 
athletic club is complete without one. Price 
10 cents. 

No. 171. Basket Ball for Women. 

Edited by Miss Senda Bere*nson, of Smith 
College. Contains valuable information, spe- 
cial articles, official rules, and photos of teams 
of leading women's colleges and high schools. 
Price 10 cents. 

How to Play Base Ball. 

Edited by T. H. Murnane. The editor has obtained 
from such well-known players as Lajoie, Kittridge, 
Clarke, Cy Young, Willis, Callahan, Doyle, and other 
equally prominent players, special articles telling just 
how they play their respective positions. Over 50 
full-page pictures of prominent players in action are 

shown, and accurate photographs showing how to hold the fingers for 

the various curves and drops. Price 10 cents. 





No. 174. Distance and Cross Country Running. 

By George Orton, the famous University of Penn- 
sylvania runner. Tells how to become proficient 
in these specialties, gives instructions for train- 
ing, and is illustrated with many full-page pictures. 
Price 10 cents. 




^ATHLETIC 



No. 176. 






Official Intercollegiate A.A. Handbook. 

Contains official rules that govern intercollegiate 
events and all intercollegiate records records from 1876. 
Any boy who expects to go to college and try for the 
athletic team should be familar with these records. 
Price 10 cents. 

How to Swinn. 

By J. H. Sterrett, the leading authority on swim- 
ming in America. The instructions will interest the 
expert as well as the novice; the illustrations were 
made from photographs especially posed, showing 
the swimmer in clear water; a valuable feature is the 
series of "land drill" exercises for the beginner, 
which is illustrated by numerous drawings. Price 
10 cents. 



No. 178. How to Train for Bicycling. 

Gives methods of the best riders when train- 
ing for long or short distance races; hints on 
training. Revised and up-to-date in every particu- 
lar. Price lo cents. 




No. 179. How to Play Golf. 

No golfer should miss having a copy 
of this golf guide. The photographic 
interview with James Braid, open cham- 
pion of England, is well worth perusal. 
Harry Vardon tells how to play the 
game, with lifelike illustrations show- 
ing the different strokes. The book 
also contains the revised official rules, 
as well as pictures of many important players, and a directory giving 
name, address, membership, dues and length of course of golf clubs 
in the United States. Price 10 cents. 

No. 180. Ring Hockey. 

A new game for the gymnasium, invented by Dr. J. M. Vorhees of 
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, that has sprung into instant popularity ; as 
as exciting as basket ball Price 10 cents. 





No. 181. Spalding's Official Foot Ball Guide. 

Edited by Walter Camp. Contains the new 
rules as recommended by the Rules Committee, 
with diagram of field as newly arranged ; special 
chapters on the game, Foot Ball for the Spectator, 
All-America Teams, Middle West Foot Ball, Foot 
Ball West of Mississippi River, Southern Foot 
Ball, Southwestern Foot Ball, Canadian Foot Ball, 
records of teams, details of principal changes in rules, and pictures of 
all the prominent teams, embracing nearly 3,000 players. Price 10 cents. 
No. 182. All Around Athletics. 

Gives in full the method of scoring the AU-Around 
Championships, giving percentage tables showing what 
each man receives for each performance in each of the 
ten events. It contains as well instructive articles on 
how to train for the AU-Around Championship. Illus- 
trated with many pictures of champions in action and 
scenes at all-around meets. Price 10 cents. 

No. 183. How to Play Foot Ball. 

By Walter Camp. The contents embrace 
everything that a beginner wants to know 
and many points that an expert will be glad 
to learn. Quarterback is described by 
deSaulles, the famous Yale player ; how to 
give signals is explained by Rockwell and 
Hogan of the Yale team, who show with 
many diagrams how the big teams make 
their sensational plays ; Lewis, the well-known Harvard player, gives 
instructions in the methods of defence, and William T. Reid, the 
former Harvard fullback, tells of the duties of the backs. The pic- 
tures are made from snapshots of the Yale, Harvard and Princeton 
teams in action. Price 10 cents. 

No. 184. Official Basket Ball Guide. 

Edited by George T. Hepbron. Contains the 
revised official rules for 1904, decisions on dis- 
puted points, records of prominent teams, reports 
on the game from various parts of the country, 
and pictures of hundreds of players. The stand- 
ard basket ball annual of the country. Price 10 
cents. 






-LIBRARY f(SMEI 




Health Hints. 



Health influenced by insulation ; health influenced by underwear ; 
health influenced by color; exercise, who needs it? A series of 
articles by Prof. E. B. Warman, the well known lecturer and authority 
on physical culture. Price lo cents. 

No. 186. How to Become a Bowler. 

By S. Karpf, Secretary of the American Bowling 
Congress, and one of the best posted men on bowling 
in America. A complete nistory of bowling, how to 
make an alley, hints for women bowlers, official 
rules ; illustrated. Price lo cents. 




No. 187. How to Play Roller Polo. 

Edited by J. C. Morse. A full description of the game ; official 
rules ; pictures of teams ; other articles of interest. Price lo cents. 

No. 188. Lawn Hockey, Tether Tennis, Golf Croquet, Volley 
Ball, Hand Tennis, Etc. 

Containing the rules for each game. Illustrated. Price lo cents. 

No. 189. Rules for Games. 

Compiled "by Jessie H. Bancroft, director of physical training, de- 
partment of education. New York City. Borough of Brooklyn. Ar- 
ranged especially for school use and adapted to large classes as well 
as a few. Price lo cents. 

No. 190. Official Athletic Almanac. 

Compiled by J. E. Sullivan, Secretary-Treasurer 
of the Amateur Athletic Union. It is the only 
annual publication issued now that contains a 
complete list of amateur best-on-records ; com- 
plete intercollegiate records ; complete English 
records from i866; swimming records; inter- 
scholastic records ; Irish, Scotch and Australasian 
records ; reports of leading athletic meets in 1903, 
skating records ; important athletic events in 1903, 

and numerous photos of individual athletes and leading athletic 

teams. Price 10 cents# 




iAN 5 1904 

^ATHLETIC 




3©C 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iH 

■n.f 

006 010 607 1 #1^ 



No. 198. 



Spalding's Official Cricket Guide. 

Edited by Jerome Flannery, formerly 
proprietor of Plannery's American Cricket 
Annual. Spalding's will be the most com- 
plete year book of the game that has ever 
been published in America, It will contain 
all the lecords of the previous year, reports 
of special matches, official rules and pic- 
tures of all the leading teams and individual 
players. Price lo cents. 
No. 199. Equestrian Polo Guide. 

Compiled by H. L. FitzPatrick of the New 
York Sun Illustrated with portraits of leading 
players and contains much useful information for 
polo players in relation to playing the game, 
choosing of equipftient, mounts, and the ofhcial 
rules. Price lo cents. 

No. 200. Dumb-bells. 

This is undoubtedly the best work on dumb- 
bells that has ever been offered. The author, 
Mr. G. Bojus, of New York City, was for- 
merly superintendent of physical culture in 
the Elizabeth (N. J.) public schools, instructor' 
at Columbia University, instructor for four 
years at the Columbia summer school, and is 
now with the Dr. Savage Normal Institute of 
Physical Training in New York City. The book contains 200 photo- 
graphs of all the various exercises, with the instructions in large, 
readable type. It should be in the hands of every teacher and pupil of 
physical culture, and is invaluable for home exercise as well. Price 
lo cents. 
No. 201. Lacrosse — From Candidate to Team. 

By William C. Schmeisser, captain Johns Hop- 
kins University champion intercollegiate lacrosse 
team of 1902 ; edited by Ronald T. Abercrombie, 
ex-captain and coach of Johns Hopkins Univer- 
sity lacrosse team, igoo-1904. Every position is 
thoroughly explained in a most simple and concise 
manner, rendering it the best manual of the game 
ever published. Illustrated. Price to cents. 





